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
NATTY?
No Test ExistsNo established test exists for this compound.
FDA
Research OnlyFor research purposes only. Not FDA approved.
WADA
Not ListedNot currently on WADA prohibited list.
COMPOUNDING
Not from pharmaciesNot available from licensed compounding pharmacies.
PRESCRIBED
Not prescribedNot prescribed in conventional medicine.
ROUTE
Topical or SubQ injectionAdministration via topical or subq injection.
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.
Stats
Sources & Studies
Pickart L, Margolina A., Int J Mol Sci, 2019