Ingredient or product comparison
GHK-Cu Bioavailability: Formulation Comparison
Oral (capsule/tablet) <1% intact peptide reaches bloodstream Not applicable. Cleaved before absorption Gastric peptidases cleave within 5–15 minutes Dissociation likely in acidic stomach environment Not viable for therapeutic use. Peptidase degradation elimina
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- Oral (capsule/tablet)
- <1% intact peptide reaches bloodstream
- Not applicable. Cleaved before absorption
- Gastric peptidases cleave within 5–15 minutes
- Dissociation likely in acidic stomach environment
- Not viable for therapeutic use. Peptidase degradation eliminates bioavailability
- Topical (cream/serum)
- 0.5–1.5% dermal penetration (standard); 2–4% with liposomes
- Local effect only. Minimal systemic absorption
- Minimal if formulation pH is 5.5–7.0
- Requires pH-buffered formulation to prevent copper release
- Effective for localised skin effects; inadequate for systemic collagen synthesis
- Topical + microneedling
- 5–8% dermal penetration
- Low if applied immediately post-needling
- Requires stable formulation and immediate application
- Best topical option for dermal collagen stimulation; still does not achieve systemic levels
- Subcutaneous injection
- Systemic plasma levels within 15–30 minutes
- 15–30 minutes
- Bypasses gastric and dermal barriers entirely
- Requires sterile, pH-neutral reconstitution
- Highest bioavailability; only method proven to produce measurable systemic peptide concentrations
- Transdermal patch (experimental)
- Variable. Depends on permeation enhancer technology
- 30–60 minutes (if effective)
- Low if formulation is stable
- Copper chelation stability critical during prolonged skin contact
- Emerging technology; current evidence insufficient to confirm therapeutic plasma levels