GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) vs Leuphasyl
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 →Leuphasyl
Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) is a cosmetic peptide that reduces muscle tension through a mechanism similar to enkephalins. Often combined with Syn-Ake for enhanced anti-wrinkle effects.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) | Leuphasyl |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Mimics enkephalin and binds to enkephalin receptors on muscle cells, reducing acetylcholine release and thereby decreasing muscle contraction intensity. |
| 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%. | Topical: 3-8% concentration in serums. Often used in combination products with other muscle-relaxing peptides. |
| Administration | Most commonly used topically for skin applications. Can be injected subcutaneously for systemic effects. Often combined with microneedling for enhanced skin penetration. | Topical application to expression lines. Best results with consistent twice-daily use over 8+ weeks. |
| 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. | Very well-tolerated topically. No significant adverse effects reported at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) and Leuphasyl are commonly used for: