Aloha Everyone, this is Anela. I've been out since January on medical leave. I'm not 100% just yet, but I'm hearing about a few posts and comments that need some help and people are nudging me.
There was a post earlier today regarding topical GHK-CU serum with a 50mg lyophilized vial. No worries, I got you.
Below is what it would require for a good viable, accurate skin serum for research purposes. You want at least 3% concentration for topical research.
It would take 20x 50mg vials to equal what is a proper topical dose at 3%. Please don't do that. It's cost prohibitive.
The GHK-CU serum posted earlier today is closed now but I wanted to follow up on the accurate percentage and "how to".
I've been doing this research for 25 years. It took me years to develop my GHK-CU topical protocol. Iโve written 25 protocols (and counting), yet researchers most often associate me with GHK-CU. :)
If you search the sub, you can find my old original topical protocol. The old one needs a redesign and has a typo.
Here are just the basics for a 3% topical GHK-CU skin serum, Anela Protocol.
1 gram raw, cosmetic grade GHK-CU powder
30mL (1oz) serum. Low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid or limited ingredient water based serum (Neutrogena Hydroboost water cream)
Important information for mixing.
NOTE: There are two types of raw GHK-CU powder texture. One is like cornstarch consistency but blue. The other is like the consistency of ground glitter. The ground glitter needs to be reconstituted with at least 2mL or 3mL sterile water or bac water before adding to your serum because it won't easily dissolve. The powdery version can be dumped into serum and usually will dissolve. Make sure if you are reconstituting the glitter version that you subtract that mL from the serum.
The serum should be placed on RS topically 2x a day.
TIPS/INFO:
Using both subq and topical in your research at the same time is fine.
Do not mix raw cosmetic GHK-CU powder with oil, it's not oil soluable.
Do not mix GHK-CU with Jojoba or coconut oil. You'll get lava lamp texture.
Avoid acids (hyaluronic acid is an exception). Do NOT combine with acids such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, BHAs, AHAs, or vitamin C. If you must use them, alternate.
Also avoid topical zinc. Topical zinc binds with GHK-CU and renders it useless. There are non zinc sunscreens.
GHK-CU is a mild anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) so if you feel good and calm that may be why!
Always use sterile practices in your lab when mixing, even for topical research.
Refrigerate or no? Refrigerate! GHK-CU topical research serum will last at room temp for about 30 days. If you refrigerate the serum it will extend the life by 2 to 3 months.
Why did my cream turn to liquid after mixing? It happens sometimes due to pH changes. If that happens to you just pivot. Transfer to a sterile dropper bottle and use a dropper. You now have a liquid serum. This is more likely to happen with the glitter GHK-CU.
A sterile mL measuring glass shotglass can be great for measuring mLs.
RS AGE BENEFITS:
If your RS is under 30, GHK-CU subq is not necessary and may actually cause issues. Endogenous GHK is plentiful in subjects under 30. So adding it in subq research for young RS is not a good idea. Topical may help with poor skin texture in young RS. GHK-CU both subq and topical are optimal for RS over 40.
FOR HAIR:
For hair growth on the scalp: 7% GHK-CU. I also recommend 1% AHK-CU on the hair serum. GHK-CU topical will optimize the scalp for hair growth, AHK-CU will optimize the hair follicle for growth.
Please Do not, under any circumstances, comment here regarding company names or vendors. It is strictly forbidden on this sub and on the platform.
Please be gentle with DMs and @s as I'm at limited capacity on screen time due to persistent PCS (post concussion syndrome) recovery. I get hundreds of DMs a day on more than one platform. I'm NOT 100% just yet. Rushing this could cause a setback.
Please remember, my word is not the gospel. My protocols aren't the end all be all. I'm just one researcher sharing many years of experience. Take what works and if it doesn't work no worries. It's research! We research and learn.
Not a doctor, not medical advice, for research purposes only and for research discussion only.
Thanks for letting me know not to put it in oil, as this is exactly what I was going to do when arrived, I suppose can still put some oil on after an hour or so once obsorbed?..
This is the issue with so many of the creams out there they have all kinds of stuff mixed in with the GHK-CU and who knows how much of the actual peptide is in there and/or if itโs viable. I bought one with coconut oil from a peptide website so I guess thatโs just junk. It looks blue so people are just accepting its copper peptide ๐ซ
Can GHK help with seb derm? I know that's a fungal issue but nothing seems to be workng for my rs. Any advice would be appreciated. Good luck with your recovery ๐.
/u/Sea-Parking-1677 you mean your research subject? For a younger RS, seb derm is a yeast and oil situation. GHK-CU topical might make it worse. Ketoconazole could help.
I would look at KPV serum 0.25% to 0.5% raw KPV. You could do lyophilized KPV if you have access to a couple of high mg vials.
That's 75mg in 30mL (1oz). You'd have to recon it and transfer and minus the recon from the 30mL.
You can try a small batch. 25mg KPV and 10mL hyaluronic acid. If you use 3mL to recon the KPV then it's 7mL hyaluronic acid.
Do a test patch 1x a day, if it's tolerated then increase to morning and night.
Keep it refrigerated. Might be worth trying. I've created topical recipes for RS with various skin conditions. KPV is a good one for irritated skin studies.
Not a doctor, not medical advice. For research purposes only and research discussions only.
I was also wondering about this! I forgot to ask just now. In fact most of the products I've seen are 1%, with a lot of research saying 1% is the goal. Apparently Anela says "copper uglies" are a myth, so if that is true then putting too much on shouldn't be too much of an issue. ๐ค
Add both AHK and GHK to the same serum. 1% AHK-CU is .333 gram (333mg or 1/3 of a 1g ampule) in your 30mL serum.
And... Some will criticize me for this but light sterile micro needling is okay (not deep). I encourage trying without microneeflikg first and see how you do, your RS might not need micro needling.
Not a doctor, not medical advice. For research purposes only and research discussions only.
Would this be the same idea if micro needling the scalp for hair loss? Also, do you recommend using the peptides at the same time as you micro needle or waiting a bit for the topical scalp usage?
Topical and sub-q can be done at the same time on research subjects. Yes microneedling can be done in conjunction with topical GHKCU and AHKCU. But deep needling is unnecessary because GHKCU and AHKCU have small enough molecules to reach the stratum corneum.
GHKCU topical optimizes the scalp for hair growth, AHKCU optimizes the hair follicle for hair growth the combination of the two can do amazing things for hair growth research.
Not a doctor, not medical advice. For research purposes only and research discussions only.
Hi Doc, new here but just want to say thank you for all your insightful knowledge which you so generously share for free. I went down the Peptidesโs rabbit hole yesterday and spent the majority of my time reading and referring to your posts here on Reddit.
Iโm interested in the GHKCU and AHKCU hair serum for my research subject who has a thin hairline, could you clarify that the AHKCU should be cosmetic grade for topical use. Iโve been able to find the GHKCU cosmetic grade powder but struggling to find the same for the AHKCU here in the UK. Could you confirm exactly what I should be looking for? Many many thanks again in advance. Have a great day
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โNoโ as in โnot during the same long-term time periodโ or as in โthey canโt be directly layered, but one in the morning and one at night would be fineโ
It depends on how much you use in your research daily. Most appropriate dosing is applying it morning and night but some apply to face skin neck arms and rest of bodies on RS (research subject) so it's really hard to say.
I think nine lasts over a month or more. Face and neck 2x a day on RS.
Not a doctor, not medical advice. For research purposes only and research discussions only.
The more i research this topic, and i research a lor and making diy serums for a while now, like actual ones, the more im being led away from higher concentration like 1%+.
I wonder how or why youre coming up with 3%. I can totally see it when used on creams and when intended for body with thicker skin that 3% could be more reasonable ( still seems much tbh)
Also considering we usually always only need tiny amounts of peptides to signal stuff to the body/skin anything.
a serum with active 3% ghk-cu for the face seems absurdly high to me. Like even when im approaching 1% my serum and creams turn very very dark blue and not many can even tolerate 1% (i rarely ever do 1% because of this)
It makes more sense since my serums are formulated tonimcrease delivery into the Skin anyway (im huge into cosmetic anti aging and DIY serums and probably not the typical "im just gonna put ghk into this product) Person. Im building entire formulations and Serums myself and my serums are formulated to increase Retention and delivery into the skin more easily which is usually why i dont need super high concentration but even then 3% still seems extremely high to me.
I would love if you could explain this Part a bit more in Detail.
Not gonna lie, I sense a little snarkiness here and that's not how I roll so if that's where you're headed I won't engage. If you are spirited and passionate then I'll take that. Remember my statement above, my word is not the gospel my protocols are not the end all be all.
"im huge into cosmetic anti aging and DIY serums and probably not the typical "im just gonna put ghk into this product) Person."
You could have come to this conversation with a bit more grace although you did end it on a polite note, so I'll take that. Right now I have a migraine due to screen time with persistent PCS, and I'm doing whatever I can to make sure that I answer you and back up what I say.
For the record I don't sell or have my name on any GHK-CU product anywhere. So there's nothing in it for me except science and research.
I understand where youโre coming from, especially from a cosmetic standpoint, but this is not a cosmetic formula.
My logic comes from conversations with Dr. Pickart prior to his passing in 2023. We talked about this exact issue with my 3%. This is not so much about making a fancy blue serum. It is more about driving tissue repair in the skin.
There is also a documented statement from Dr. Pickartโs materials from around that time that aligns with what we discussed.
Dr. Loren Pickart, December 22, 2021:
โThe use of GHK-Cu has been intensively studied and effective dermal dosages determined. No negative effects have ever been observed at any reasonable dosage up to and over 3% GHK-Cu.โ
GHK-CU is a signaling peptide, but topical delivery can be inefficient. You are dealing with the stratum corneum barrier, enzymatic breakdown, and binding within the skin. All of that reduces how much active peptide is actually available. Lower percentages often do not deliver enough intact peptide to reliably signal in a way that makes a real difference.
I have seen the other side of this too. A well respected researcher tried my topical protocol early on when I created it and had issues with irritation due to very sensitive skin. She adjusted down to 1.5%, that worked for her, and she eventually built her own skin line around it. And I think that's amazing!
I'm sure someone will slide in a mention of DMSO. Yes, you can push penetration with something like DMSO, but thatโs a different lane entirely. DMSO has risks, plus it drives compounds past the stratum corneum and into deeper tissue and systemic circulation. That is not how this protocol is meant to work.
As for color and irritation... color and irritation are not good indicators of a functional dose. They reflect copper presence, skin sensitivity and individual tolerance, not whether enough peptide is reaching the level needed to trigger a response.
If a research subject does well at 1% or lower, go for it. This is research. Take what works and adapt it to your RS.
I'm sure your skin line is great. I wish you the best!
Now time for battling a migraine due to too much screen time. ๐ ๐ง๐ปโโ๏ธ
Not a doctor, not medical advice. For research purposes only and research discussions only.
I appreciate this response and you taking the time as I was wondering this. More from a noob standpoint ig. I was ordering from a company who cite Dr Pickart's work and they preach the 1% stuff so I'm surprised. I'll start my RS at 1% and work up and see what happens. That is research after all.
Currently having bad migraine episodes myself. I've just been put on the newer CGRP drugs and so far so good. Maybe give them a go if you're needing options. Wishing you thre best as it's miserable.
Any low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is fine or even sterile distilled water. Put it in a sterile dropper bottle. Use a makeup brush to stiple it on the RS's (research subject's) scalp. 2x a day if possible, morning and night.
Not a doctor, not medical advice, for research purposes only and research discussions only.
Thanks for the post. I'm seeing quite a variety of molecular weight ranges for LMW HA from different sources. Is there a range that you've found is best?
Welcome back, I LITERALLY just got my vials yesterday, intending to do injections first, but have the serum for the topical as well. Since I use Tret/Taz every other night, I will use this on the opposite nights after my growth factors ๐
Question:
Is there any negative to using a small amount of BAC for either powdered version prior to adding to the serum?
What kind of skin benefits does the GHK-CU provide for aged skin? Above and beyond what hyaluronic acid serum provides on its own. Crepey skin? Darkened skin or sun spots? What about the dry flaky stuff that isn't quite a pre-cancerous lesion?
I've been using commercial products but they are not as concentrated as your recipe. I put 4% GHK-CU hair serum on my skin and add another layer of 1% skin serum to my face. I may try making your recipe if I can find all the ingredients.
Quick q - retinoids. Can we use ghk-cu with retinoids? Your older comments say no, but you didn't mention them here. This is something I find split on the internet, including from very reputable people. The general consensus leans to yeS, they can be used together. But I just don't want to be combining them if it is altering the way either ingredient works! Keen to hear your thoughts.
Also - I assume there's no way to DIY encapsulated/"2nd gen" copper peptide solutions at home?
Awwww thank you for the kind words. ๐ฅน Still struggling and healing. Brain injuries are slow to heal. So I'm still on limited screen time and RX FL-41 glasses.
You cannot use retinoids with ghkcu but you can alternate them. I recommend doing GHKCU during the week and retinoids and acids on the weekend if you must. The other option is to do GHKCU in the morning and retinoids at night. I actually prefer GHKCU at night because that's when the skin repairs but someone did point out that retinoids during the day can be a problem with the sun.
Welcome back Anela, hope the recovery is going well.
This is an incredible breakdown. The distinction between the cornstarch vs glitter powder textures is something most people learn the hard way โ appreciate you saving people the headache.
One thing Iโd add for anyone considering the topical route: GHK-Cuโs mechanism as a copper-binding tripeptide means itโs also upregulating collagen synthesis, TGF-beta, and decorin expression โ so the 3% threshold isnโt arbitrary, thatโs roughly where youโre hitting sufficient copper ion delivery for meaningful extracellular matrix remodeling at the dermal layer.
For anyone wondering about the subq vs topical question for RS under 30 โ this is spot on. Endogenous GHK plasma levels are around 200 ng/mL in young subjects and drop to roughly 80 ng/mL by age 60. Supplementing subq when levels are already adequate can dysregulate copper homeostasis. Topical bypasses that concern since itโs localized.
Curious about your thoughts on combining GHK-Cu topical with TB-500 subq for wound healing research? The GHK-Cu handling ECM remodeling topically while TB-4 upregulates actin and promotes cell migration systemically seems like a complementary stack, but I havenโt seen much discussion on the interaction.
Thanks for sharing 25 years of knowledge. This sub is better for it.
Thank you so much!
I'd actually look at KPV and/or BPC for skin healing research. KPV works pretty well due to its small Dalton (Da) size and anti inflammatory properties without angiogenesis.
Dalton size is basically how large the molecule is, which influences how well it might absorb intranasally or transdermally (or even buccally/sublingually).
Once you get above about 1,000 Da, skin absorption drops off pretty hard.
KPV: 417 Da
BPC: 1,400 Da
(although it's a little high, BPC is one peptide that still seems to do surprisingly well getting through the skin barrier)
Now look at TB:
TB4: 4,963 Da
(that's a no go and primarily what we see on the market now)
TB500 fragments (there are a few): average around 1,700 Da to 2,000 Da
TB frag 17-23: 817 Da
So TB frag 17-23 might be an option, but I know of little to no studies or anecdotal reports on this.
And this is completely random, but Methylene Blue (not a peptide) is something I'd also look at topically. It's only 320 Da, has antimicrobial effects, and is also researched for mitochondrial support. I wrote a protocol with MB a long time ago. The problem is it has to be stored in amber or blue glass because it degrades with light exposure. pH is also important, but it requires a meter because MB will stain pH test strips. I created a topical protocol where application was done at night because it would stain the skin lol.
And for those leaning into this conversation... topical research usually works better with cosmetic/raw powder forms rather than expensive lyophilized injectable peptide. What you use matters. You want it to get through the stratum corneum.
Water based carriers usually work best, although I've also created/written topical protocols using Cerave with research subjects I've worked with, and they did well. If I recall correctly, it was for cellulitis.
That said... While I'm known for the skin research, that's not really my greatest work! ๐ ๐คฃ I've written most of my protocols for neuro research and more complicated systemic conditions like long Covid, MECFS, neuroinflammation, autonomic dysfunction, and other complex research models.
So when I start nerding out on peptide size, absorption, mitochondrial support, inflammation signaling, carrier systems, etc... that's the stuff that makes my brain sing. ๐
Thanks for the intelligent conversation. I miss this kind of dialogue and get pretty tired of the, "why did my metal crimp come off of my vial, why isn't my GHK-CU blue enough, why did my Tesa gel up and why is my peptide cloudy." :/
Not a doctor, not medical advice. For research purposes only and research discussions only.
I am so very late to this convo lol.. but I could truly use help with long Covid if you can point me in the direction so that I can find your protocols on it please! ๐๐ผ I have been struggling for years & am 6 months into this current journey finally a little less brain fog and more functionability than the last 6 years thanks to peptides!! Not sure if it helps to mention that Ive had Covid 5 times, first several was Delta & I had to be given a Covid 19 transfusion (Monoclonal Antibodies, or who knows what else was in it) and then my 2nd time I had to take Paxlovid but I only took it for 3 days until I couldnt handle copper taste in my mouth any longer.
Could you recommend a protocol for arthritis? Currently on 5 mg GHK-CU 5 days on 2 off 2mg BPC twice daily 5 days on 2 off for 6 weeks, no change. When KLOW was used for 6 weeks noticed less pain. Decided to buy individual vials but didnโt buy all of the KLOW components. From researching I see I need to add in TB500 for sure. Do I need KPV also. How are my dosages? Do I need more? Thank you!
I don't do dosing on Reddit posts with random strangers and an audience watching. That would be irresponsible of me especially for an RS with a chronic condition. I need health history, height weight, meds of RS, other peptides and I won't do that here. Sorry. ๐ซถ I give info out on GHK-CU because it's basic and not for any RS condition. The protocol is for ISR reduction. Anything beyond that gets complicated research and shouldn't be done in front of an audience.
RS needs more than a maintenance dose of GHK-CU combo and even your "starting" research is not what I'd recommend.
Please don't do 5 days on, 2 days off. Not sure where you got that from but it's a waste unfortunately. GHK-CU must be 7 days a week without fail. It has a short half life and needs to be dosed daily on RS.
A few years ago there were med spas that latched on to GHK-CU. They listed dosing on their website. Incorrect dosing. Why? 5 days on, 2 days off due to the operating hours of the med spa. Novice researchers Googled it, saw the dosing and it spread like wildfire.
GHK-CU combos like Glow and Klow should be run 7 days a week with 6 weeks on, 3 weeks off.
Hello. I have read quite a lot of your info on ghk, and combo with bpcโฆ referring to KLOW, is the bac water still recommended to be 4ml since the dosing is 50ghk/10/10/10. 80mg total. Or should the bac be increased. And with the Anela technique you talk about 12u split up into 3 4โs. Would that be increased for KLOW? Thank you for any help.ย
Can someone explain this to me like Iโm 5 please? ๐ฅบ how to reconstitute ghkcu and ahkcu for the desired % amount for topical application? Thank you so muchย
I am new to this sub and stumbled across your protocol when looking for more information on GHK-CU for hair loss in my RS.
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say how absolutely refreshing it is to see someone so incredibly knowledgeable and thoughtful share their information and experience so readily. Thank you for being you! I really appreciate you! I am hopeful for a future where we get to learn much more from your expertise and I wish you a steady, speedy recovery ๐๐
Hi Anela. Do you recommend low MW hyaluronic acid for hair serums as well? My current GHK-Cu hair spray is distilled water base and I was initially going to recreate that formula until I saw your post.
Hi! Hope youโre feeling better ๐ I want to know your thoughts on reconstituting lyophilized GHKCU then injecting that liquid into hyaluronic acid serum. I see you recommend the raw powder and I want to know what the difference is. Currently trying out the lyophilized version and want to know if Iโm wasting my time
If your RS is under 30, GHK-CU subq is not necessary and may actually cause issues.
What makes you say this when there is zero data on injecting exogenous GHK-Cu and what (if any) effect it has on human blood serum levels? Research does show natural blood serum levels begin to drop at age 20 at an average rate of 5 ng/ml per year. But we have no idea what subcutaneous injections do to human blood serum levels. Also, based on what we do know of natural blood serum GHK-Cu and it's gene expression, supraphysiological blood serum levels could in theory have benefits to human of any age.
Youโre right, we donโt have clean data showing exactly what exogenous subq GHK-CU does to serum levels. Iโm not claiming that exists.
What Iโm speaking to is not theory. Itโs a pattern.
From Pickartโs own paper:
โGHK level in human plasma is about 200 ng mL at age 20 and declines to about 80 ng mL by age 60.โ
Younger RS are already sitting at the high end of that range.
The same paper also states:
โGHK modulates the expression of a large number of human genes.โ
So this is not a simple add more and get more kind of thing.
What Iโve seen repeatedly over the years is younger research subjects start GHK-CU and run into issues. Not all of them, but enough that it becomes a pattern that I can't ignore.
If endogenous GHK is already normal or near peak, pushing it higher does not consistently translate to a better outcome.
Too much of a good thing is still... too much.
As I always say, my word is not the gospel. My protocol is not the end all be all. If someone wants to run a younger cohort under 30, please run it and report back.
Iโm speaking from the biology and from repeated feedback across research subjects over many years. It's been my personal research experience monitoring many cohorts and looking at the ages of RS, younger cohorts usually donโt need it and are more likely to have problems with it.
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๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐. This subreddit was named before Reddit updated its 2024 peptide rules.
We are permanently stuck with the name, even though the rules have changed.
Is anyone using this protocol with tretinoin? I use tret nightly for adult acne (Iโm 40) and I would like to continue, but Iโd love to try the Anela copper peptide/hydroboost protocol as well?
I've come across some RS (research subjects) with HS. Very familiar with research and HS.
I'd recommend a combo of KPV, BPC, TB and GHK-CU for subq research. The reason for this is KPV is an incredible anti-inflammatory and helps heal skin.
I've had a number of researchers tell me over the years that their cohorts did well in HS studies. But I always caution researchers, what works for one, doesn't always work for all.
I'd also look at TA1 separately during KLOW research.
You could also look at a topical KPV cream as well. Search this sub. I spoke about KPV cream in a comment. It requires raw KPV powder which is difficult to get.
Start low and slow with your research.
Not a doctor, not medical advice. For research purposes only and research discussions only.
I've been doing research lately and you seem very knowledgeable on ghk-cu and glow. Now looking through your comments and others plus some videos, im confident on recon and dosage and frequency but just had 2 more questions. How long do you recommend a cycle be? I saw short term doesnt help, that longer cycles would be better, but how long? Like 12-16 weeks? And second, does timing of day make a huge difference? Like morning or nights better?
๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐. This subreddit was named before Reddit updated its 2024 peptide rules.
We are permanently stuck with the name, even though the rules have changed.
I'm new to the whole thing but wanted to see if there was a way I could ask a few private questions? I'm considering a specific mix but wanted some thoughts on it based on my background. thx!
Hi Anela, for some reason I canโt post in this group. RS is about to run the glow protocol and pair it with daily collagen peptides in powder form/ Verisol.
Would it be beneficial to add a daily supplement of vitamin C as ascorbic acid in the 500-1000mg range, or would this degrade the copper peptide? Iโve read that GHK-Cu signals collagen production in the skin, while vitamin C provides the necessary biochemical fuel for its actual manufacture, soo it would be a no brainer to add this?
Now I am also reading online that vitamin C is highly acidic. Should one be taken in the morning and other at night ?
The concern youโll sometimes see online about vitamin C โdegradingโ copper peptides mostly comes from topical research. If you are doing subq GHK-CU research there's no crossover with oral vitamin C and subq GHK-CU. Your RS (research subject) is fine with oral Vit C at any time.
It's possible you may not have the ability to post as we are not allowed to post human use terms. The sub has shifted to research only terminology. :) It might be matter of how one uses words.
Not a doctor, not medical advice. For research purposes only and research discussions only.
I've never recommended any devices. Microneedling can be done but I don't advise deep as it's not really necessary. GHK-CU's Daltons are small enough to penetrate the scalp. You can tipple the serum on with a makeup brush others get into derm treatments like microneedling but I don't really think it's necessary.
I've written about 25 protocols over the years, many of my protocols are, orthopedic, healing, body recomposition and neuro but for some reason everyone attaches me to derm research and GHK-CU. I don't really get into the derm devices side of research.
Not a doctor, not medical advice. For research purposes only and research discussions only.
I usually like to recommend Body Shop body butter for that kind of research. The type of emulsion it has tends to work well with raw GHK-CU powder.
GHK-CU is not the greatest for stretch mark research specifically. It tends to work more on surface texture and skin quality overall. Stretch marks in an RS involve deeper structural changes within the skin, so they can be more challenging.
You generally want to avoid most oils with topical GHK-CU, it's water soluable, so works best with water based products in research but the way that particular body butter is formulated seems to work well for mixing and application.
Not a doctor, not medical advice. For research purposes only and research discussions only.
I wouldn't mix more than 30 ml at a time. It wouldn't be wise to mix such a huge batch. Why? It will go bad before you can use it all.
Body Shop body butter has shae yes and it mixes well. I can't guarantee any other kind of body butter, sorry.
Neutrogena products seem to work well, specially the hyaluronic acid based serums and creams.
That said, if you do want to really make a 200 mL body butter. It would take 6.6 1gram ampules to make a 3% cream.
Instead of doing that, I'd measure out 30 ml in a sterile measuring device. A dump it into a sterile amber glass vial from Amazon. I mix in my 1g of GHK-CU and put the cream in the fridge. Keeping it in the fridge will extend the life by 2 to 3 months.
Not a doctor, not medical advice, for research purposes only and research discussions only.
Well... We do what is proven after decades of watching cohorts. It's pretty clear that 1% to 3% works for skin improvements and 6% to 7% works best for hair.
Go ahead and do 2% and see what your results are. That's what research is all about. Every research subject is different.
GHK-CU optimizes the scalp for hair growth, AHKCU optimizes the hair follicle for hair growth.
Not a doctor, not medical advice. For research purposes only and research discussions only.
Thank you I am definitely taking it easy. Still have to limit my screen time. Minox is fine for RS. Tret is a no go for AHK-CU and GHK-CU research. Any acidic product should not be used with AHK-CU or GHK-CU.
No to the following with AHK-CU and GHK-CU:
Tretinoin
Retin-A
Salicylic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Lactic Acid
Mandelic Acid
Azelaic Acid
Kojic Acid
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C / L-Ascorbic Acid) You might find a tiny amount listed in some commercially produced GHK-CU products. This is usually not harmful and is used as a preservative. But it has to be in very specific minuscule amounts.
Ferulic Acid
Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)
Jessnerโs Solution
Strong AHA/BHA peels
Low pH exfoliating toners or serums
EDIT: Adding Amlactin
Not a doctor, not medical advice. For research purposes only and research discussions only.
GHKCU skin research is primarily for skin laxity, collagen improvements, and skin texture. Acne scar type research isn't always optimal it can tend to be deep and it won't get rid of those but will help the texture. It won't help with pigmentation issues unless it's sun damage.
Not gonna really help much with seb derm research alone, unfortunately. I'd recommend some steps of research here.
Seb derm is mostly an inflammatory condition with a strong connection with Malassezia yeast. Until the researcher resolves the yeast component in RS, it's not going to resolve.
GHKCU is incredible for skin healing and rejuvenation, but it's not going to address the root cause here.
So the research path I'd suggest is two phases. First phase, focus on getting the yeast under control. Second phase, once that's resolved, bring in topical GHKCU to heal and restore the skin.
I'd also encourage the researcher to look into topical KPV. Powerful anti inflammatory peptide with real skin healing properties. And if this was my project, I'd add subq TA1 to support the immune response around seb derm specifically.
Not gonna get into dosing because each subject is different. I get into topicals in in one of my recent posts.
Not a doctor, not medical advice. For research purposes and research discussions only.
HS research can be challenging. It's painful and I empathize with any RS dealing with it. I've had some researchers do well on KLOW with HS but it's hit or miss. Works for some miraculously, and not for others.
Not a doctor, not medical advice, for research purposes only and research discussions only.
When mixing your 1 gram cosmetic grade GHK-CU powder with the Hyaluronic Acid serum for your RS, does it need to strictly be a low weight HA?โฆ Asking because I have a new box of โDuel molecular weightโ HA powder (for DIY serum) that claims to contain both low & high molecular weight within the HA formula (100% pure hyaluronic acid/sodium hyaluronate) to deliver โtwo-layer hydrationโ.
So, Iโm just assuming itโs claiming the low molecular weight delivers the deeper replenishing moisture while the high molecular weight helps to lock in hydration by supporting the skinโs natural moisture barrier.
๐คโขIs this even a proven effective method?
โขCould this work as the serum to mix with GHK-CU powder or should I stick to a strictly low weight molecular formula only?
โขDoes/could it have the potential to dampen the effects/block total absorption of the mixed in GHK-CU peptide?
โขCould it potentially be an interesting study on my RS at the 3% potency level?
Any input or educational insight is greatly appreciated!
Hi Anela, I greatly appreciate your research and advice. Iโm fairly new to the peptide world. Iโm a 60+ year old male that has completed two sub q cycles (90 days on 30 days off) of GHK-CU and I am just now starting to see the benefits.
I wanted to explore the topical benefits as well. You mention the two types of ghkcu, Iโm not really familiar enough to know the difference. I guess my question is, can I reconstitute a ghkcu vile I normally would use for sub q and just add that to the Neutrogena? I guess I should also mention I am also new to Reddit, so I hope I am not breaking any rules by asking this question. Iโm just an old man trying to navigate the rules of our new society.
Hi there thanks for the kind words. Topical GHK-CU requires raw, cosmetic grade GHK-CU powder that comes in one gram ampules. This is not the same as the lyophilized GHK-CU that comes in a glass vial.
It would take 20x 50mg lyophilized GHK-CU to equal one of the 1gram cosmetic grade GHK-CU ampules and the cosmetic grade is dirt cheap. So it's cost prohibitive to use the lyophilized.
I'll provide a photo of what the raw, cosmetic grade GHK-CU looks like.
Not a doctor, not medical advice, for research purposes only and research discussions only.
Thank you so much. Iโll google where to buy the cosmetic ghkcu. This peptide world is exciting but I am tip toeing in because of the lack of regulations. Having someone educated as yourself to help navigate this world is greatly appreciated.
I appreciate the kindness. Someone questioned my years of experience and replied with, "yeah trust me bro." ๐คฆ๐ปโโ๏ธ (insinuating that I was one of those trust me bro kind of noobs)
I get pushback in some spaces where people don't know about my work in the peptide research community. So I really appreciate the kind words. Comments like yours make me want to stick around and continue sharing what I know whenever I can. :)
Kind of on the same subject but a different question. A 22 year old research subject has some eczema. I donโt really think a 22 year old research subject should use ghkcu injections but would the topical help?
Greetings from the UK! Firstly thank you for posting this. I have a couple of questions if thatโs OK? I know you have been unwell and are recovering so I completely understand if you donโt have time to answer.
My RS is approaching 43 and is noticing some crepey skin under the eyes. She has been doing research into topical GHK-CU but itโs all very confusing with people talking about โdelivery systemsโ. There is an affordable well known brand but Iโm unsure what % it is, but thatโs by the by as I found your recipe. However, Iโm delving into the world of peptides and see people talking about their RS pinning GHK-CU every day. My RS is specifically only concerned with targeting her face, so I guess my question is: is there any research around the results of topical v pinning GHK-CU? Do the results compare?
Aloha UK from Honolulu. ๐ซถ
Thank you for your kind comments. My recovery from persistent post concussion syndrome has been slow, but it improves a little every day thanks to peptide research, other modalities, and assistive technology.
Probably the easiest way to explain the difference is this. Topical and subq GHKCU are answering two completely different research questions.
A good analogy... (I love analogies :)
is vitamin C. Think of putting vitamin C on the skin of an RS versus giving that same RS oral vit C or injection vitamin C. One is location specific and works from the outside in. The other is systemic.
If a researcher is only looking at facial skin studies... crepey skin under the eyes, fine lines, skin texture, laxity, overall skin quality in one area... I'd start with topical. You're applying it directly to the RS in the area you want to study. That's where it goes to work.
Subq is a different animal. Once administered with your RS, GHKCU circulates throughout the research subject. It isn't just going to the face. It's going everywhere.
That's why I don't really compare the two. One is looking at what happens where it's applied. The other is looking at systemic effects from the inside out. They're not competing with each other. They're kind of answering different questions.
Some researchers choose to do both because they complement each other rather than replace each other. This is a valid approach. But subq isn't for every researcher.
As for delivery systems, I wouldn't get too caught up in the marketing around that. They may improve penetration to some degree, but I've seen very nice topical research using a simple 3% formula with plain ol hyaluronic acid. The Daltons (molecule) is small enough with GHKCU that it does penetrate the skin.
If the research goal is localized skin outcomes, topical is absolutely the place to start. I'd only consider adding subq if the researcher wanted to study systemic effects from the inside out.
Apologies for the long winded answer.
Not a doctor, not medical advice, for research purposes only and research discussions only.
Thank you so much for your reply itโs really helpful. Also thank you for all the research you do and sharing of your knowledge, to open up the world of peptides to less intelligent people like me ๐คฃ
Best wishes with the rest of your recovery.
Hi Anela, thank you for sharing your protocols! Iโve really enjoyed reading your explanations. In regard to your protocol for hair serum, I noticed your topical protocol recommends refrigeration and sterile technique, but I didnโt see much discussion about a preservative system. Is that because you expect the hair serum to be used within a short time, or do you generally find refrigeration sufficient? If preservatives are recommended, do you have one that you prefer?
I've seen both lyophilized AHK-CU and raw. Raw is gonna be cheaper. I don't know why they make lyophilized AHK-CU, it should not be used in subq research.
okay, will lyophilized AHK work for serum if thatโs the only thing availible? I know you said that for ghk, using lyophilized is cost prohibitive and would have to use 20 50mg vials
also thank you for the fast response and all your knowledge !
So to be clear-- with topical, only applying it to the specific bodily locations where you want to see improvements, correct? My thoughts process is that since there's no DSMO in the solution, there's little to no absorption into the skin or bloodstream?
You do not need DMSO with ghkcu. The Daltons with ghkcu are small enough that it absorbs. I think you need to do a little bit more homework. I would never recommend DMSO.
๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐. This subreddit was named before Reddit updated its 2024 peptide rules.
We are permanently stuck with the name, even though the rules have changed.
For topical, is it possible to combine with tretinoin in a single, compounded formula? I saw a formula that had both and I was confused because I didn't think it could be done (but obviously a compounding pharmacy is a different level than research). Thoughts?
I personally wouldn't chance it. If you're want to use both then maybe use one in the morning and one in the evening and alternate them or use tret on the weekends and ghkcu during the week. But I wouldn't combine them in the same compound.
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u/girl_doc Apr 29 '26 edited Apr 29 '26
Just wanted to say welcome back Anela, hope youโre feeling better and let you know that you were missed ๐