GHK-Cu Reconstitution Calculator

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is the copper complex of a naturally occurring human tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) first isolated from human plasma. Published research has studied GHK and its copper complex for roles in wound healing, extracellular matrix remodeling, and anti-inflammatory signaling, with particular focus in cosmetic and dermatological contexts. It appears in a number of cosmetic formulations marketed topically. GHK-Cu sold by research chemical vendors in injectable lyophilized form is not approved by the FDA for injection and is labeled for laboratory research only.

Common vial sizes

Research vendors typically offer GHK-Cu in larger vial sizes than most peptides — 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg — because of the higher masses commonly used in published research. Reconstitution with 3–5 mL of bacteriostatic water is commonly reported.

• 50 mg vial
• 100 mg vial
• 200 mg vial

Reconstitution examples

Worked examples showing exactly what a given vial, bacteriostatic water volume, and target dose produce in syringe units. All math is from the same calculator above.

• 100 mg vial + 5 mL bacteriostatic water → 20000 mcg/mL concentration.
  A 2000 mcg dose = 10 units on a u-100 insulin, 1 ml (100 units) (0.1 mL).
• 100 mg vial + 5 mL bacteriostatic water → 20000 mcg/mL concentration.
  A 5000 mcg dose = 25 units on a u-100 insulin, 1 ml (100 units) (0.25 mL).
• 200 mg vial + 5 mL bacteriostatic water → 40000 mcg/mL concentration.
  A 5000 mcg dose = 12.5 units on a u-100 insulin, 1 ml (100 units) (0.125 mL).
• 50 mg vial + 3 mL bacteriostatic water → 16666.67 mcg/mL concentration.
  A 1000 mcg dose = 6 units on a u-100 insulin, 1 ml (100 units) (0.06 mL).

Storage & shelf life

Lyophilized GHK-Cu is typically stored refrigerated or frozen. Reconstituted solutions are generally refrigerated and protected from light. Copper complexes are especially sensitive to pH and should be stored according to supplier guidance.

Reported half-life

Published pharmacokinetic data on injectable GHK-Cu is limited. As a small tripeptide complex, it is generally reported to have a plasma half-life on the order of hours.