Ingredient or product comparison
Comparison Table: GHK-Cu Delivery Methods for Age 40–49
Subcutaneous injection (1–2mg daily) 15–25 ng/mL within 45 minutes Systemic. Reaches papillary and reticular dermis via circulation 23% increase measured by ultrasound Daily Gold standard for age 40+. Only method achieving therapeutic plasma levels for fibrobl
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- Subcutaneous injection (1–2mg daily)
- 15–25 ng/mL within 45 minutes
- Systemic. Reaches papillary and reticular dermis via circulation
- 23% increase measured by ultrasound
- Daily
- Gold standard for age 40+. Only method achieving therapeutic plasma levels for fibroblast activation
- Topical 2% GHK-Cu serum
- Unmeasurable in plasma
- 5–8 micrometres (stratum corneum only)
- 6% increase (surface epidermis only)
- Twice daily
- Cosmetic-grade only. Does not reach dermal fibroblasts where age-related thinning occurs
- Microneedling + topical GHK-Cu
- Trace plasma levels (inconsistent)
- 200–500 micrometres (needle depth dependent)
- 14% increase (localised to treated areas)
- Weekly with 7-day recovery
- Moderate efficacy. Enhances penetration but trauma-induced inflammation may degrade peptides before absorption
- Oral GHK-Cu capsules
- Negligible (peptides degraded in gastric acid)
- None. Systemic circulation not achieved
- No measurable effect
- Ineffective. Tripeptides are cleaved by pepsin before intestinal absorption