GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) vs Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
A naturally occurring copper peptide that acts like a master switch for your body's repair systems—boosting collagen production, accelerating wound healing, and helping your skin rebuild itself from the inside out [1][4].
Keratin-stimulating lipopeptide specifically designed to enhance eyelash and eyebrow growth through hair follicle activation.
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Quick comparison
Dose range
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
0.1–0.1 %
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
0.001–0.1 %
Frequency
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Once or twice daily, topical
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Once daily
Administration
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Subcutaneous injection
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Topical
Cycle length
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
12 weeks, then ongoing
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset speed
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence level
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Limited human trials
Benefit ratings
Skin Rejuvenation
Wound Healing
Tissue Regeneration
Eyelash Growth
Hair Strengthening
Safety Profile
Compound specifications
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Molecular formula
C14H23N6O4Cu
Molecular weight
403.93 g/mol
Half-life
Approximately 1 hour (plasma)
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously; variable topically depending on formulation
CAS number
49557-75-7
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Molecular formula
C41H81N9O6
Molecular weight
796.2 Da
Half-life
Topical application; sustained follicular activity with daily reapplication
Bioavailability
Enhanced follicular penetration via myristic acid (C14) lipid conjugation
CAS number
959610-30-1
Dosing compared
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Topical
0.1% cream (roughly 1 mg/mL)
Once or twice daily to the treatment area · 12 weeks for visible results, then ongoing
This is the only GHK-Cu route with a controlled human trial behind it, and the trial was largely negative. Thirteen patients used a GHK-Cu aftercare regimen after CO2 laser resurfacing; blinded assessment found no significant improvement in redness, wrinkles or overall skin quality versus the control regimen, and only the patients' own rating separated (P = 0.04) [7]. Topical wound-healing evidence beyond that is animal — 24 rats with ischemic wounds, where the copper tripeptide gel reduced wound area faster than vehicle [4]. Concentration matters and is not standardised across products; the figures quoted for cosmetic creams come from industry reports rather than independent trials [1][2].
Subcutaneous
No established human dose
Not established · Not established
There are no human studies of injected GHK-Cu by any systemic route. The GHK-Cu studies registered on ClinicalTrials.gov are topical or transdermal [13]. The 1-2 mg figures circulated for subcutaneous use trace to community practice, not to any published study, and no human toxicology exists for the copper load a systemic dose would deliver. The Pickart literature most often cited for GHK-Cu is mechanistic and wound-repair work, not injectable dosing [1][2][3].
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Topical
0.001-0.1% in finished serum (supplied as a 0.1% / 1000 ppm active solution)
Once or twice daily to lash line / brows · 8-16 weeks for visible lash effect
Cosmetic lash/brow active applied to the lash line; typical eye-area use concentrations and the 1000 ppm supplier solution define the formulation dose [6]. Topical only; not dosed systemically.
Best suited for
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Anti-Aging Warriors
If fine lines, sagging skin, and lost elasticity are your enemies, GHK-Cu is your secret weapon. It ramps up collagen and elastin production—the two proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and youthful [1][2]. Studies show it can tighten loose skin and improve elasticity better than many popular skincare ingredients [1][2].
Wound Healing Champions
Whether you're recovering from surgery, dealing with stubborn wounds, or healing from a cosmetic procedure, GHK-Cu accelerates the entire repair process [4]. It attracts immune cells, builds new blood vessels, and stimulates the growth factors your body needs to rebuild tissue faster and better [1].
Scar Reducers
GHK-Cu doesn't just heal wounds—it helps remodel scar tissue. By regulating how your body lays down collagen during healing, it can help scars become flatter, softer, and more like surrounding normal skin [6]. It even reduces the TGF-beta signals that lead to thick, raised scars [12].
Hair Growth Seekers
Research shows GHK-Cu can enlarge hair follicles and activate the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway—the signaling system that tells hair follicles to grow [1]. If you're noticing thinning hair or increased shedding, this peptide may help stimulate thicker, healthier growth over time.
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Individuals seeking longer, fuller eyelashes without prostaglandin-based prescriptions
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals seeking longer, fuller eyelashes without prostaglandin-based prescriptions. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Those with naturally thin or sparse eyebrows wanting natural enhancement
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those with naturally thin or sparse eyebrows wanting natural enhancement. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
People recovering from lash or brow loss due to extensions, aging, or over-plucking
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on people recovering from lash or brow loss due to extensions, aging, or over-plucking. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Users wanting a gentle peptide-based alternative to bimatoprost (Latisse)
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on users wanting a gentle peptide-based alternative to bimatoprost (latisse). Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Side effects
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Common
- Injection site redness
- Skin tingling (topical use)
- Minor bruising
- Mild swelling at injection site
Uncommon
- Mild headache
- Temporary skin purging (topical)
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Common
- Mild Tingling at Lash Line
- Temporary Eyelid Dryness
- Product Residue Buildup
- Lash Shedding During Initial Phase
Uncommon
- Periorbital Sensitivity
Serious
- Allergic Contact Reaction
- Lipid Peroxidation and Oxidative Stress
Safety & evidence
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Evidence level
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
GHK is a peptide the body makes on its own — it turns up in human blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid, where it binds copper [5]. The peptide's original describer reports that the amount circulating falls with age, from roughly 200 ng/mL around age 20 to about 80 ng/mL by age 60 [2]. That is a description of what declines, not evidence that replacing it does anything. Almost all of the safety evidence is topical or laboratory work. The one randomized human trial of topical GHK-Cu — 13 patients using it after CO2 laser resurfacing — reported no safety problems, but also found no objective benefit over the control regimen [7]. There is no human safety data for injected GHK-Cu by any route [13]. That matters more than usual here, because the molecule carries copper: a systemic dose delivers a copper load, and no human toxicology study has measured what that load does.
Contraindications
- Wilson's disease or copper metabolism disorders
- Known allergy to copper or peptide components
- Active cancer or history of cancer
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Children and adolescents
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Evidence level
Limited human trials
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
Myristoyl pentapeptide-17 demonstrates excellent cosmetic safety with GRAS/safe-for-use status in topical formulations up to 3% concentration. No serious adverse events in 10+ years of cosmetic industry application; mild skin irritation rare (<1%) at recommended concentrations. Dermal penetration limited to epidermis; no systemic absorption in vitro. Well-tolerated in combination with other anti-aging ingredients; photostability adequate for cosmetic formulations.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to myristoylated peptides or formulation components
- Active eye infections, styes, or periorbital dermatitis
- Post-surgical eye conditions where topical application is contraindicated
- Concurrent use of prescription eyelash growth products without medical guidance
Which is right for you?
Choose GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) if...
- Skin rejuvenation and anti-aging
- Wound and injury recovery
- Scar reduction
- Hair growth support
Choose Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 if...
- Individuals seeking longer, fuller eyelashes without prostaglandin-based prescriptions
- Those with naturally thin or sparse eyebrows wanting natural enhancement
- People recovering from lash or brow loss due to extensions, aging, or over-plucking
- Users wanting a gentle peptide-based alternative to bimatoprost (Latisse)