Peptide Skincare & BeautySkin science and ingredient guides

Ingredient or product comparison

GHK-Cu Cosmetic Per Day Daily Dose Comparison

Subcutaneous Injection 1–3 mg (2 mg standard) ~95% (near-complete absorption) 1.5–2 hours Refrigerate at 2–8°C, use within 28 days Gold standard for research. Highest bioavailability and dose precision. Requires sterile technique and daily reconstitution disci

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  • Subcutaneous Injection
  • 1–3 mg (2 mg standard)
  • ~95% (near-complete absorption)
  • 1.5–2 hours
  • Refrigerate at 2–8°C, use within 28 days
  • Gold standard for research. Highest bioavailability and dose precision. Requires sterile technique and daily reconstitution discipline.
  • Intramuscular Injection
  • 2–5 mg
  • ~90% (slightly lower due to depot effect)
  • 2–3 hours (extended release)
  • Viable alternative when subcutaneous injection sites are limited. Absorption rate varies by injection site (deltoid vs gluteal).
  • Topical Application (0.1% cream)
  • 2 mg per 2 mL application
  • 8–15% (low dermal penetration)
  • Not applicable (local tissue retention)
  • Room temperature stable for 6–12 months in airless pump
  • Best for localised dermal research. Systemic effects negligible. Requires penetration enhancers (DMSO, propylene glycol) for measurable activity.
  • Oral Administration
  • 10–20 mg (dose must compensate for low absorption)
  • <5% (degraded by gastric acid and peptidases)
  • Not measurable (near-zero systemic exposure)
  • Not applicable
  • Not viable for systemic research. GHK-Cu is a tripeptide. It's cleaved into amino acids in the GI tract before absorption. Oral 'GHK-Cu supplements' are marketing, not pharmacology.