GHK-Cu Tracker App
Log Topical and Injectable Doses, Track Skin Progress, and Monitor Hair Density
GHK-Cu (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine-Copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine, with serum concentrations declining significantly with age. It acts as a potent regulator of collagen and elastin synthesis, antioxidant defence, stem cell recruitment, and tissue remodelling. GHK-Cu is used both as a cosmetic topical ingredient and — in research contexts — as a subcutaneous injectable for systemic regenerative effects. Shotlee tracks every application, skin photo, hair density measurement, and lab marker in one free app.
What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (Glycine-L-Histidine-L-Lysine complexed with copper II) is a tripeptide that occurs naturally in human plasma at concentrations around 200 ng/mL at age 20, declining to approximately 80 ng/mL by age 60 — a reduction closely associated with age-related decline in tissue repair capacity and skin structural integrity. The peptide acts as a carrier for copper ions to sites of tissue damage, coordinating a wide range of repair, remodelling, and antioxidant processes.
GHK-Cu has a dual-use profile that distinguishes it from most research peptides: topical formulations are commercially available as cosmetic skincare ingredients (legal in most markets), while injectable GHK-Cu occupies the same research-only grey area as other experimental peptides. The topical form is used for skin rejuvenation, fine line reduction, and wound healing. The injectable form targets systemic regenerative effects and is studied for hair loss, anti-ageing, and wound repair.
Protocol Options
Applied to skin (face, scalp, wound site) daily. Concentrations range from 0.1–5% GHK-Cu in commercial and compounded formulations. No injection required.
Injectable research protocol for systemic regenerative effects, hair follicle stimulation, and wound healing. Typical cycle: 4–8 weeks.
Mechanism of Action
Research Highlights
What to Track in Shotlee
Build a complete GHK-Cu application diary — doses, before/after photos, hair density, and healing metrics.
Topical GHK-Cu for Skin vs Injectable for Systemic Effects
Topical GHK-Cu reaches the dermis through transdermal penetration when formulated with appropriate carriers (liposomes, nanoparticles, or low-molecular-weight vehicles). Clinical cosmetic studies show measurable improvements in skin density, elasticity, and fine line depth with consistent topical application over 8–12 weeks. This route is the most accessible and lowest regulatory barrier entry point for GHK-Cu use.
Injectable GHK-Cu bypasses the skin barrier entirely and achieves systemic distribution. Research protocols exploring hair follicle stimulation and systemic anti-ageing effects typically use 1–2 mg subcutaneously daily or every other day. Some researchers combine topical (face/scalp) with injectable (systemic) simultaneously — Shotlee lets you log both application types separately to track which is driving which outcomes.
Protocol FAQs
GHK-Cu is used topically as a cosmetic ingredient for skin rejuvenation, fine line reduction, wound healing, and scalp/hair support. Injectable GHK-Cu is a research peptide studied for systemic regenerative effects, collagen synthesis, hair follicle stimulation, and anti-ageing applications. Injectable use is not approved for human use in most jurisdictions.
Topical GHK-Cu is a cosmetic ingredient applied to skin or scalp, primarily targeting local collagen and elastin synthesis. Injectable GHK-Cu is a research peptide providing systemic distribution. Topical is legal and commercially available; injectable is in a research-only grey area. Track both routes in Shotlee to monitor outcomes separately.
Clinical cosmetic studies with topical GHK-Cu typically show measurable skin density and elasticity improvements over 8–12 weeks of consistent application. Log skin photos at baseline and every 4 weeks in Shotlee to build an objective before/after comparison.
Research protocols typically use 1–2 mg subcutaneously daily or every other day over a 4–8 week cycle. This is significantly higher than endogenous plasma concentrations and is strictly a research application.
Preclinical data suggests GHK-Cu stimulates hair follicle proliferation and extends the anagen (growth) phase, possibly through stem cell recruitment and improved follicle blood supply. There are no Phase 2/3 human clinical trials. Track hair density changes in Shotlee with regular trichoscopy or photo documentation.
Track Your GHK-Cu Protocol in Shotlee
Log topical and injectable applications, attach skin photos, track hair density, and monitor collagen markers — all free in Shotlee.
📚References & sources
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