GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) vs LL-37 (Cathelicidin)
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 →LL-37 (Cathelicidin)
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. It plays crucial roles in innate immunity and has shown diverse biological activities including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and wound healing properties.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) | LL-37 (Cathelicidin) |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Disrupts bacterial membranes, neutralizes endotoxins, modulates immune cell function, and promotes wound healing. Has both direct antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. |
| 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. Typical ranges: 50-200mcg administered subcutaneously 2-3 times weekly. Some protocols use higher doses for acute infections. |
| Administration | Most commonly used topically for skin applications. Can be injected subcutaneously for systemic effects. Often combined with microneedling for enhanced skin penetration. | Subcutaneous injection. Can cause significant injection site reactions. Often used in conjunction with other immune-supporting protocols. |
| 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. | Injection site pain and reactions are common. May cause flu-like symptoms, temporary fatigue, or immune activation responses. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) and LL-37 (Cathelicidin) are commonly used for: