GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) vs Melanotan II
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 II
Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide analog of α-MSH with broader receptor activity than Melanotan I. It produces tanning effects and has notable effects on sexual function and appetite suppression.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) | Melanotan II |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist affecting MC1R (tanning), MC3R and MC4R (sexual function and appetite). This broader activity explains its multiple effects beyond tanning. |
| 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%. | Typical protocols: 0.25-0.5mg daily during loading phase for 1-2 weeks, then 0.5-1mg before UV exposure for maintenance. Start low to assess tolerance. |
| 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. Usually combined with UV exposure for tanning effects. Nasal spray formulations exist but have lower bioavailability. |
| 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 (common initially), facial flushing, spontaneous erections, increased libido, appetite suppression, and mole darkening. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) and Melanotan II are commonly used for: