GHK

Quick Facts

• Full Name: GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine) — Tripeptide-1
• Aliases: Tripeptide-1, GHK free form, Lamin (brand), Prezatide
• Category: Skin Health / Anti-Aging / Collagen Synthesis / Wound Healing
• Sequence: Gly-His-Lys (3 amino acids)
• Molecular Weight: 340.4 Da
• Administration: Topical / Subcutaneous (research) / Oral (limited bioavailability)
• Typical Concentration: 1–5% in topical formulations
• Status: Cosmetic ingredient (topical); research peptide (injectable)
• Related: GHK-Cu — copper-bound form; GHK is the free (copper-free) tripeptide
• WADA Status: Not listed

What It Does

GHK (Tripeptide-1) is the free, copper-uncomplexed form of the GHK-Cu copper peptide complex. Endogenously, GHK circulates in plasma and declines significantly with age. It binds copper naturally in vivo, but the free form has its own independent biological activity — stimulating collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts, promoting wound healing, and regulating gene expression programs associated with tissue repair and anti-aging. Topically, GHK provides collagen/elastin stimulation without the blue-green tint and potential oxidation issues of copper-bound GHK-Cu, making it more formulation-friendly.

Mechanism of Action

1. Fibroblast activation: Directly activates dermal fibroblasts → increased production of collagen I, III, IV, elastin, and fibronectin
2. Gene expression modulation: GHK is a powerful gene expression regulator — activates genes associated with tissue repair, antioxidant defense, and anti-inflammatory signaling; suppresses inflammatory and cancer-related pathways (Pickart's gene expression research: 4,000+ genes modulated)
3. Copper chaperone activity: Free GHK chelates copper ions in vivo and delivers them to copper-dependent enzymes (lysyl oxidase) → collagen and elastin crosslinking
4. Wound healing promotion: Promotes re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and ECM remodeling
5. Anti-inflammatory: Downregulates NF-κB; reduces TNF-α and IL-6
6. Antioxidant gene upregulation: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase upregulation

Dosing Protocols

Topical Protocol

• Concentration: 1–5% GHK (Tripeptide-1) in serum or cream
• Application: Apply to cleansed skin 1–2x daily
• Onset: 4–8 weeks for visible improvement in skin texture and firmness
• Formulation note: More formulation-flexible than GHK-Cu (no color, no oxidation tendency)
• Best delivery: Leave-on serums, moisturizers, eye creams
• Source: The Peptides Bible topical section; Pickart research

Injectable Research Protocol

• Dose: 0.5–2 mg SubQ daily (research context; less common than topical)
• Note: Topical remains the primary delivery for skin applications

Stacks Well With

• GHK-Cu – copper-bound form for full antioxidant + enzyme activation (use either/or or alternate)
• Matrixyl – procollagen fragment signaling + GHK fibroblast activation
• Argireline – muscle relaxation + collagen stimulation comprehensive anti-aging
• Syn-ake – expression line reduction + GHK remodeling
• BPC-157 – systemic healing and angiogenesis complement (injectable context)

Use Cases

• Collagen Synthesis and skin density
• Elastin Synthesis and skin elasticity
• Wrinkle Reduction (fine lines from collagen/elastin loss)
• Wound Healing (post-laser, post-peel, chronic wounds)
• Hair Growth (GHK promotes hair follicle activity — similar to GHK-Cu)
• Anti-Aging Skincare
• Scar Remodeling
• Formulation-Sensitive Contexts (where GHK-Cu color/oxidation is problematic)

Contraindications & Safety

• Extremely safe; endogenous human peptide
• Allergy — very rare; patch test for sensitive individuals
• Pregnancy — considered safe topically; consult dermatologist
• No systemic concerns at cosmetic concentrations
• Highly biocompatible — circulates naturally in human plasma

Storage

• Bulk powder: -20°C long-term; 2–8°C short-term; away from moisture and light
• Finished topical product: Room temperature in opaque, airtight packaging; 12–24 month shelf life
• Stability: pH 4.5–7.5; stable in aqueous formulation; avoid strong oxidizers (unlike GHK-Cu, less oxidation concern)

PubMed Research

Research links will be added after PubMed search

Sources

• The Peptides Bible – Topical cosmetic and research peptides
• Pickart L. — foundational GHK/GHK-Cu research (40+ years)
• Peptide Protocols Master Bible – Skin and healing protocols

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