Can research-grade GHK-CU be used to make a topical serum?

GortBong

GortBong

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Some research I did so far said not to use research grade ghk-cu for topical use, and that only cosmetic grade should be used topically.

Thoughts?

Also, any suggestions for a serum recipe to apply to the scalp for thicker hair? I would think the facial serum recipes would be too thick for the scalp.

Thanks for any guidance!!
 
GortBong said:
Some research I did so far said not to use research grade ghk-cu for topical use, and that only cosmetic grade should be used topically.


Also, any suggestions for a serum recipe to apply to the scalp for thicker hair? I would think the facial serum recipes would be too thick for the scalp.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't use lyophilized powders on the skin. They have fillers that could potentially cause a reaction, or breakout. Look for things labeled cosmetic or raw.

If you are wanting to use it for hair, I would check out AHk-CU. If it were me, I would add it to an already made scalp specific serum.
The serum I use for my face is pretty thin, but I don't think the scalp is in need of ceramides, etc.
 
CandyCap said:
I wouldn't use lyophilized powders on the skin. They have fillers that could potentially cause a reaction, or breakout. Look for things labeled cosmetic or raw.

If you are wanting to use it for hair, I would check out AHk-CU. If it were me, I would add it to an already made scalp specific serum.
The serum I use for my face is pretty thin, but I don't think the scalp is in need of ceramides, etc.
Click to expand...
That's Hog wash

Key Differences Between GHK-Cu Forms:
  • Lyophilized GHK-Cu Powder (Freeze-Dried):
    • Purity & Stability:Highly stable and potent, maintaining biological activity over a long shelf life
      .
      • Usage: Often used by formulators or mixed upon use for maximum effectiveness.
      • Application: Ideal for creating specialized anti-aging skincare products or research purposes.
    • Cosmetic GHK-Cu (Serums/Creams):
      • Purity & Stability: Ready-to-use creams or serums containing a lower concentration of the peptide compared to raw powder.
      • Usage: Convenient for daily skincare routines.
      • Application: Targets fine lines, wrinkles, and skin
 
CNCCurrency said:
That's Hog wash

Key Differences Between GHK-Cu Forms:
  • Lyophilized GHK-Cu Powder (Freeze-Dried):
    • Purity & Stability:Highly stable and potent, maintaining biological activity over a long shelf life
      .
      • Usage: Often used by formulators or mixed upon use for maximum effectiveness.
      • Application: Ideal for creating specialized anti-aging skincare products or research purposes.
    • Cosmetic GHK-Cu (Serums/Creams):
      • Purity & Stability: Ready-to-use creams or serums containing a lower concentration of the peptide compared to raw powder.
      • Usage: Convenient for daily skincare routines.
      • Application: Targets fine lines, wrinkles, and skin
Click to expand...
I prefer to not trust my face (or in this case hair) with AI, but thanks.
They make cosmetic versions for a reason, which are readily available. Fillers can cause emulsion to break as well. I dont want that crap on my face.
I know of no professional formulator (I follow many) that would recommend using lyophilized as opposed to cosmetic. Too many variables to cause problems.
 
Last edited:
I have an extra kit of GHK-Cu and I've been using it for topical application. I haven't experienced any break outs or anything weird. I added 2 100 mg vials to The Ordinary HA serum and it's a very nice shade of blue. It's definitely more expensive that way, and the concentration is low, but otherwise it would have been tossed since I have 2 kits of KLOW.My skin, especially my face and neck, have improved and are very clear. Now I'm not sure if that's due to the Ordinary serum by itself, but nothing detrimental has happened. I might try adding even more next time.
 
I'm currently using my ghkcu 100mg research grade topically. I opened the top and found something long to poke down and break it up then poured the powder directly in 'The Ordinary Hydraloric serum'. I did this for 9 vials into one bottle of The Ordinary to equal the amount of the topical 1gram amount.
 
CandyCap said:
I prefer to not trust my face (or in this case hair) with AI, but thanks.
They make cosmetic versions for a reason, which are readily available. Fillers can cause emulsion to break as well. I dont want that crap on my face.
I know of no professional formulator (I follow many) that would recommend using lyophilized as opposed to cosmetic. Too many variables to cause problems.
Click to expand...
Still say hog wash:
Lyophilized peptide fillers, such as mannitol and trehalose, are inert substances added to peptides before freeze-drying to protect their structure and stability

Trehalose is a natural, stable disaccharide sugar (
derived from sources like mushrooms and tapioca, used widely as a stabilizer, sweetener, and hydrating agent. It is roughly 45-55% as sweet as sucrose, protects against moisture loss in food, and stabilizes protein-based drug formulations. It is also used in eye drops for dry eye and holds promise as a neuroprotective agent
 
CNCCurrency said:
Still say hog wash:
Lyophilized peptide fillers, such as mannitol and trehalose, are inert substances added to peptides before freeze-drying to protect their structure and stability

Trehalose is a natural, stable disaccharide sugar (
derived from sources like mushrooms and tapioca, used widely as a stabilizer, sweetener, and hydrating agent. It is roughly 45-55% as sweet as sucrose, protects against moisture loss in food, and stabilizes protein-based drug formulations. It is also used in eye drops for dry eye and holds promise as a neuroprotective agent
Click to expand...
I know what a filler is. Adding sugar to a body product can cause some people to break out. I made and sold sugar scrubs for years.
 
CandyCap said:
I prefer to not trust my face (or in this case hair) with AI, but thanks.
They make cosmetic versions for a reason, which are readily available. Fillers can cause emulsion to break as well. I dont want that crap on my face.
I know of no professional formulator (I follow many) that would recommend using lyophilized as opposed to cosmetic. Too many variables to cause problems.
Click to expand...
But injecting is less risky? I find it weird to be so opposed to this being used topically yet we inject under our skin those same substances.
 
if you are looking for topical, neurogan health dot com, is an option. they have Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), purity, heavy metals, solvents etc. i have used their Copper peptide hair and skin serum, in an attempt to fight hair loss. at 2400 mg/60ml (bottle ) (that's 2.4 grams) its quite affordable. ( i have zero affiliation with them BTW). as for my hair results, anecdotally id say its better than without using it. YMMV, hair loss/growth has so many variables.
 
FNG33 said:
But why?
Raw is 10 to 15 bucks a Gram, How much is a Gram in kits cost?
Click to expand...
Exactly, you can pay $65/gr and wrestle with the vial or $10/gr. I guess, if you have a lot left over and never intend to pin again, why not? I don't think the lyo excipients are going to cause any particular problem, if you dissolve them in HA.
 
You absolutely can use lyophilized, but it is extremely expensive compared to topical. Early on, I bought some injectable GHK-CU because everyone was singing its praises. But it gives me huge painful welts every single time. So instead dumped what I had left into my face cream. Worked fine.
If you are going to do this with your leftover lyophilized, recommend using .5 ml to reconstitute before adding to whatever you're using. Excess bac water is more likely to break your cream than 50 to 100 mg of lyophilized copper.
 
Idk if you know who Anela is but her GHK-CU protocols are pretty famous on reddit (researcher with 25+ years of experience and researching with peptides especially the copper peptides)
I searched a lot online for someone who made a hair serum based on her protocol or at least close to the concentrations that she recommends (6-7% ghk cu, 1% ahk cu) and I could find only one online. Testing it rn been only 20ish days but seems promising. Better than spending money on buying raws in bulk and then not knowing what to do with the remaining powder lol
 
CandyCap said:
I wouldn't use lyophilized powders on the skin. They have fillers that could potentially cause a reaction, or breakout. Look for things labeled cosmetic or raw.

If you are wanting to use it for hair, I would check out AHk-CU. If it were me, I would add it to an already made scalp specific serum.
The serum I use for my face is pretty thin, but I don't think the scalp is in need of ceramides, etc.
Click to expand...
I have tried GHK-CU but not AHK-CU yet. Have had a hard time sourcing it
 
Gigachad said:
Idk if you know who Anela is but her GHK-CU protocols are pretty famous on reddit (researcher with 25+ years of experience and researching with peptides especially the copper peptides)
I searched a lot online for someone who made a hair serum based on her protocol or at least close to the concentrations that she recommends (6-7% ghk cu, 1% ahk cu) and I could find only one online. Testing it rn been only 20ish days but seems promising. Better than spending money on buying raws in bulk and then not knowing what to do with the remaining powder lol
Click to expand...
Curious which one you went with
 
Peptide_J said:
I have tried GHK-CU but not AHK-CU yet. Have had a hard time sourcing it
Click to expand...
Alice/TFC has the raw powder in a plastic bottle, 10g for $100. I made a hair serum with it but I don't know if it's working. Yes, my hair has improved, but I've put every chemical known to man on my hair, and I don't know which ones worked.
 
Peptide_J said:
Curious which one you went with
Click to expand...
Unfortunately i still got the no source discussion restriction on me so it isnt letting me comment or even give any hint lol 😅 but try goog ling ghk cu anela protocol hair serum
 
FarmgirlRebel said:
I prefer using cosmetic grade...much more bang for the buck. I picked up 100 grams of GHKcu cosmetic for the cost of one kit of research grade.
Click to expand...
Research grade kit of 100mg ghk Cu costs like 40 or 60$ more or less. Aint no way you're getting 100grams cosmetic grade for that price. If you're getting from Aliexpress then i have bad news for you 😅😅
 
Gigachad said:
Research grade kit of 100mg ghk Cu costs like 40 or 60$ more or less. Aint no way you're getting 100grams cosmetic grade for that price. If you're getting from Aliexpress then i have bad news for you 😅😅
Click to expand...
Say it ain't so!!! Well to be fair, it was the cost of two kits.
 
FarmgirlRebel said:
I so now want to get it tested....I am too cheap to shell out the funds...I might know someone thought that can run it.
Click to expand...
I would save the cash, count the loss and move on.
 
I'll stick with cosmetic grade for skin care. I'll also do my research to create formulations that balance results with treating my skin with care.
 
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