GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) vs Humanin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It plays important roles in wound healing, tissue repair, and has shown anti-aging properties in research.
Full details →Humanin
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide with potent cytoprotective effects. Discovered in 2001, it has shown promise in protecting against age-related diseases including Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) | Humanin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Attracts immune cells and fibroblasts to wound sites, stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promotes angiogenesis, and has antioxidant effects. Modulates gene expression related to tissue repair. | Binds to IGFBP-3 and BAX, inhibiting apoptosis. Activates STAT3 signaling and enhances cellular survival under stress. Protects mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress. |
| Typical Dosage | Topical: Applied as serum or cream 1-2 times daily. Injectable: 1-2mg daily for research purposes. Microneedling protocols often use 0.5-1%. | Research protocols vary widely. Studies have used doses from micrograms to milligrams depending on the analog and route. HNG (S14G-Humanin) is a more potent analog. |
| Administration | Most commonly used topically for skin applications. Can be injected subcutaneously for systemic effects. Often combined with microneedling for enhanced skin penetration. | Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research. Various analogs exist with different potencies and stabilities. |
| Side Effects | Topical use is generally well-tolerated. May cause temporary skin irritation or redness in sensitive individuals. Injectable use may cause injection site reactions. | Limited human data. Generally well-tolerated in animal studies. May affect glucose metabolism. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) and Humanin are commonly used for: