What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide — glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine — complexed 1:1 with copper(II). Sequence: Gly-His-Lys-Cu²⁺. CAS 130120-56-8. It is one of the most studied copper-binding peptides in dermatology, with literature spanning skin remodeling, hair follicle activity, antioxidant defense, and extracellular matrix turnover. Each IGF1 Shop vial contains 50mg of pure GHK-Cu in lyophilized form.
What's the difference between GHK-Cu 50mg and 100mg?
Only the mass per vial — both are the same pure GHK-Cu compound, ≥99% HPLC, sourced from the same synthesis line. 50mg suits shorter cycles, first-time users, or topical reformulation. 100mg is more economical per milligram and suits longer protocols or split topical+subcutaneous use. Choose the vial size that matches your cycle length so you don't waste reconstituted product past its 30-day refrigerated window.
How pure is your GHK-Cu?
Every batch of GHK-Cu is verified at ≥99% purity by reversed-phase HPLC, with molecular identity (340.4 Da free peptide, 402.9 Da copper complex) confirmed by ESI mass spectrometry. LAL endotoxin testing is performed with a release limit of <0.5 EU/mg and sterility checks accompany each lot. The full COA for your batch downloads from the product page.
How is GHK-Cu typically used?
There are two common routes. Subcutaneous: reference protocols describe 1-2mg per day on a 4-6-week cycle. Topical: a 1-2% serum (1-2mL daily) on clean, dry skin or scalp. The 50mg vial dilutes into either format — reconstituted at 2.5mL bacteriostatic water it delivers 2mg per 0.1mL for injection, or it can be re-dispersed into a topical base for serum use.
Does GHK-Cu support hair growth?
GHK-Cu has substantial preclinical literature on dermal papilla cell proliferation, follicle activity, and 5-alpha-reductase modulation. User reports converge on visible scalp results around the 3-6 month mark of consistent application. Results depend heavily on follicle viability — GHK-Cu acts on dormant follicles, not on scar-tissue/destroyed follicles.
What about skin anti-aging?
GHK-Cu is one of the original "copper peptide" cosmetic actives. The literature describes collagen and elastin synthesis, glycosaminoglycan turnover, and antioxidant gene expression. Topical timelines in user reports usually show texture and fine-line improvement at 4-8 weeks, with deeper changes at 12+ weeks.
Can I store reconstituted GHK-Cu?
Yes — refrigerated at 2-8°C, reconstituted GHK-Cu in bacteriostatic water is stable for ~30 days. Protect from light. The unmixed lyophilized vial stored at -20°C is stable for 24+ months; at room temperature in a dry, dark place it remains stable through the printed expiry. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles on the reconstituted solution.
Why does the powder look blue?
The copper complex is what gives GHK-Cu its characteristic deep blue color — that's how you can visually distinguish copper-bound GHK-Cu from plain GHK. A pale or off-color powder usually means low copper saturation or degradation. Every IGF1 Shop batch is photographed at fill time, and the color matches what the COA's UV-Vis absorbance curve predicts.