Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine · Wound Healing Tripeptide
Natural copper-binding tripeptide — wound repair and tissue remodeling.
FDA
Research Only
WADA
Not Listed
HALF-LIFE
~6–12 hours
ROUTE
Topical or SubQ injection
SCHEDULE
Daily
In Plain English
Natural copper-binding tripeptide — wound repair and tissue remodeling.
Status & Legality
What do these mean?Wound healing
Tissue remodeling
Collagen synthesis
Anti-inflammatory
GHK (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring plasma tripeptide that declines with age. It binds copper ions to form GHK-Cu and promotes wound healing, collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and anti-oxidant gene expression. Distinct from GHK-Cu (which is the copper-chelated form used in anti-aging protocols).
Minimal side effects
Possible skin irritation with high concentration topical
Confusing GHK with GHK-Cu — they're related but distinct; GHK-Cu adds anti-aging copper effects on top of the tissue remodeling
Using only topically for systemic collagen effects — SubQ injection is needed to go beyond skin-surface benefit
Not allowing sufficient time — collagen remodeling is slow; expect 8–12 weeks for meaningful results
Vitamin C — required cofactor for collagen synthesis; always take alongside GHK-based compounds
Zinc — supports the collagen enzymes GHK upregulates; ensure adequate zinc status
No known adverse drug interactions at standard research doses
GHK is most often overlooked in favor of GHK-Cu, but for pure wound care and collagen remodeling, the plain tripeptide has solid research. Think of it as the foundation compound and GHK-Cu as the upgraded version with additional anti-aging and gene expression benefits layered on top.
BPC-157
The top healing peptide — gut, tendons, joints.
GHK-CU
Anti-aging copper peptide — skin, hair, collagen, and wound repair.
TB-500
Systemic recovery — muscles, blood vessels, inflammation.
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Stats
Sources & Studies
Pickart L, Margolina A., Int J Mol Sci, 2019