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

[GortBong]

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!!

 

[CNCCurrency]

yes, and there are some serum recipes in the threads

 

[CandyCap]

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.

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.

 

[CNCCurrency]

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.

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

 

[CandyCap]

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

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.

 

[Chili777]

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.

 

[tbaby]

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.

 

[CNCCurrency]

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.

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

 

[CandyCap]

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

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.

 

[mtomm]

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.

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.

 

[CNCCurrency]

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.

It's only his opinion while many have without any issues including me!

 

[blenderbottle]

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]

But why?

Raw is 10 to 15 bucks a Gram, How much is a Gram in kits cost?

 

[joseblo]

But why?

Raw is 10 to 15 bucks a Gram, How much is a Gram in kits cost?

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.

 

[CNCCurrency]

But why?

Raw is 10 to 15 bucks a Gram, How much is a Gram in kits cost?

I think a lot of folks buy it and decide not to or chicken out of pinning it and don't want to just throw it away and decide to use it as a serum.

 

[Graymaxxem]

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.

 

[Gigachad]

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

 

[FarmgirlRebel]

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.

 

[Peptide_J]

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.

I have tried GHK-CU but not AHK-CU yet. Have had a hard time sourcing it

 

[Peptide_J]

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

Curious which one you went with