Copper peptide reference
GHK-Cu: Reconstitution Math & Reference
By Baris Bingor · Last updated
How do you reconstitute GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu injectable reconstitution is arithmetic: divide vial mass (mg) by bacteriostatic water added (ml) to get mg/ml. A 50 mg vial in 5 ml BAC water yields 10 mg/ml — so a 2 mg research draw is 0.2 ml, or 20 units on a U-100 syringe. (GHK-Cu is also widely used topically, where draw math does not apply.) The calculator below does it for any numbers you type.
Reconstitution calculator
Type your own numbers. They aren't sent anywhere: the math runs in your browser.
Type an amount to see the volume and the units.
Arithmetic only. Peptly does not suggest amounts: the amount is yours, from your protocol or the product's documentation. Not medical advice.
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a copper complex of the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys), which binds a single copper(II) ion. In cosmetics it is listed as Copper Tripeptide-1.
GHK-Cu is the odd one out among research peptides: it is overwhelmingly a TOPICAL / cosmetic ingredient. The tripeptide GHK occurs naturally in human plasma (first described by Loren Pickart in 1973) and its level declines with age. Most of the clinical evidence — collagen synthesis, wound healing, skin remodeling, firmness — comes from creams and serums applied to the skin, not injections. GHK-Cu is NOT FDA-approved as a drug; in skincare it appears as Copper Tripeptide-1. This page is a math reference, not medical advice.
GHK binds a single copper(II) ion to form the GHK-Cu complex (the tripeptide itself is roughly 340 g/mol; the copper complex is heavier). Injectable / subcutaneous use of reconstituted GHK-Cu is discussed in research and community settings, but it is far less documented in the peer-reviewed literature than topical use, and its injection safety and efficacy are not established.
When GHK-Cu IS reconstituted for research injection, the math is identical to every other lyophilized peptide — concentration equals vial mass divided by water volume. Research-grade GHK-Cu commonly ships as 50 mg or 100 mg lyophilized vials; community subcutaneous protocols cited online sit around 1–2 mg/day. In the Peptly app, GHK-Cu has its own plain-language profile in the library. For topical use, the syringe-unit math below does not apply.
Reconstitution math — reference table
| Vial | BAC water | Concentration | Example dose | U-100 units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mg | 2 ml | 25 mg/ml | 2 mg | 8 units |
| 50 mg | 5 ml | 10 mg/ml | 1 mg | 10 units |
| 50 mg | 5 ml | 10 mg/ml | 2 mg | 20 units |
| 100 mg | 5 ml | 20 mg/ml | 2 mg | 10 units |
| 100 mg | 10 ml | 10 mg/ml | 2 mg | 20 units |
Storage and shelf-life
Reconstituted GHK-Cu is most commonly refrigerated at 2–8 °C and used within 3–4 weeks per common research protocols. Lyophilized powder typically stores at −20 °C until reconstitution. Copper peptide solutions are characteristically deep blue — normal for a copper complex.
GHK-Cu in the Peptly app
- A plain-language profile in the library — no amounts, frequencies or regimens.
- Entries exactly as you type them — the app never calculates, converts or suggests an amount.
- Today and reminders — log or skip each entry in one tap, on the schedule you set.
- Injection-site rotation — Peptly suggests the site you used longest ago, other than the last one.
- Private by design — no account; your log stays on your phone.
Other peptide references
- BPC-157 reconstitution math — BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide — a 15-amino-acid fragment derived from a protective protein originally isolated from human gastric juice.
- TB-500 reconstitution math — TB-500 is a 17-amino-acid synthetic peptide fragment of Thymosin Beta-4, a regulatory peptide naturally present in most mammalian cells.
- Semaglutide reconstitution math — Semaglutide is a 31-amino-acid GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- Tirzepatide reconstitution math — Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — a 39-amino-acid synthetic peptide.
- Ipamorelin reconstitution math — Ipamorelin is a 5-amino-acid synthetic peptide and a selective growth hormone secretagogue.
- CJC-1295 reconstitution math — CJC-1295 is a synthetic 30-amino-acid analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-29), modified for protease resistance.
- Retatrutide reconstitution math — Retatrutide (LY3437943) is an investigational triple-hormone-receptor agonist — it targets the GLP-1, GIP, AND glucagon receptors.
- Tesamorelin reconstitution math — Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino-acid analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-44), stabilized with a trans-3-hexenoic acid group.
Related tools and guides
- Main peptide calculator overview
- Peptide reconstitution math reference
- BAC water calculator
- Step-by-step reconstitution guide
- Peptide storage & refrigeration guide
- Peptide dosage unit reference
- Peptide tracker — injection log
Frequently asked questions
Is GHK-Cu used topically or by injection? +
Most clinical evidence for GHK-Cu (collagen, wound healing, skin firmness) comes from TOPICAL creams and serums, where it is listed as Copper Tripeptide-1. Injectable / subcutaneous use is discussed in research and community settings but is far less documented. The reconstitution math on this page applies to the injection context; topical use does not involve syringe units.
Is GHK-Cu approved for human use? +
No. GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved as a drug. It is widely used as a cosmetic ingredient (Copper Tripeptide-1) and studied in research. This page is a math reference and the Peptly app is a log — neither is medical advice. Consult a licensed clinician for any health decision.
What BAC water volume works for a 50 mg GHK-Cu vial? +
For the injection-context research math, 5 ml gives 10 mg/ml — a 2 mg draw lands at 20 units on a U-100 syringe; 2 ml gives 25 mg/ml (2 mg = 8 units). The calculator on this page shows the unit count for any vial × water combination as you type.
Why is reconstituted GHK-Cu blue? +
The copper(II) ion bound to the GHK tripeptide gives reconstituted GHK-Cu its characteristic deep blue color. This is normal for copper complexes and is unrelated to the reconstitution arithmetic.
Can Peptly log GHK-Cu entries? +
Yes. Log each entry with the amount exactly as you typed it and the injection site — Peptly suggests your next one — and your history keeps GHK-Cu apart from any other peptide.