GHK Basic
Also known as: GHK, Gly-His-Lys
Molecular Identifiers
Overview
Copper-binding tripeptide in its base form (without complexed copper). Naturally present in human plasma, colostrum, and saliva. Promotes collagen synthesis, wound healing, and tissue remodeling. Precursor to GHK-Cu.
Clinical interest in base GHK centers on type I and III collagen synthesis, wound healing, extracellular matrix remodeling, and anti-inflammatory modulation. It is the version without pre-complexed copper, capable of binding the ion in vivo. Endogenous plasma levels decline with age — from around 200 ng/ml in youth to roughly 80 ng/ml around age 60 — supporting interest in supplemental dermatological use and tissue repair.
GHK has no approval as a drug, but it is widely used in topical cosmetics and as off-label injectable supplementation. It is typically dispensed by compounding pharmacies in topical formulations (serums, creams) and, less frequently, in subcutaneous form, in 4–12 week cycles. There is no specific athletic indication or WADA ban.
Within the GHK peptide family, base GHK differs from GHK-Cu by not having pre-complexed copper: the copper-bound version is the gold standard in regenerative and copper-cosmetic formulations, with more robust and documented biological activity. Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) attaches a lipophilic tail to GHK for strictly topical use, while AHK-Cu, an alanine analogue, is geared toward hair follicle stimulation.
GHK Gly-His-Lys Half-life
~2-4 hours
Administration Route
Topical or subcutaneous
Category
Cosmetic & Skin
Mechanism of Action
- Stimulation of type I and III collagen synthesis
- Promotion of wound healing and tissue repair
- Anti-inflammatory activity via cytokine modulation
- Extracellular matrix remodeling
- Attraction of mesenchymal stem cells to the repair site
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | Topical or 200-600 mcg subcutaneous |
| Frequency | 1-2 times daily (topical), every other day (subcutaneous) |
| Timing | Preferably at night |
| Duration | 4-12 weeks |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Mild skin irritation
- Local redness
Product Properties
| Purity | >98% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of GHK Basic found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 2 ml per vial
- Slowly inject the diluent along the vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved
- Never shake
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
Scientific Studies
Published studies on GHK Basic.
Related Peptides
Acetyl Octapeptide-1
Topical 3-5% · Twice daily
AHK-Cu
Topical or 200-500 mcg subcutaneous · 1-2 times daily (topical), every other day (subcutaneous)
Argireline
Topical 5-10% or 100-250 mcg subcutaneous · Topical twice daily, subcutaneous 2-3x per week
Decapeptide-12
Topical application · 1-2 times daily
Matrixyl
Topical application · 1-2 times daily
Melanotan I
0.5-1 mg per injection · Every other day (loading phase), weekly (maintenance)