GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) vs Melanotan I
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 →Melanotan I
Melanotan I (afamelanotide) is a synthetic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It is FDA-approved as Scenesse for erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic disorder causing severe sun sensitivity.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) | Melanotan I |
|---|---|---|
| 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 melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production. This increases skin pigmentation and provides photoprotection without UV exposure. |
| 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%. | Clinical: 16mg implant every 2 months. Research protocols for tanning typically use 0.5-1mg daily for loading, then maintenance dosing. |
| Administration | Most commonly used topically for skin applications. Can be injected subcutaneously for systemic effects. Often combined with microneedling for enhanced skin penetration. | FDA-approved form is a subcutaneous implant. Research use involves subcutaneous injection. Often combined with minimal UV exposure to enhance results. |
| 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. | Nausea (especially initially), facial flushing, fatigue, headache, and darkening of existing moles or freckles. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) and Melanotan I are commonly used for: