GHK-Cu vs SS-31
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two anti-aging & longevity peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It plays a role in wound healing, skin regeneration, and anti-inflammatory signaling. Levels decline significantly with age, which has driven interest in topical and injectable supplementation.
Full profileSS-31
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted peptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, protecting cardiolipin and restoring mitochondrial function. It is being studied for heart failure, aging, and metabolic disease. One of the most exciting longevity-adjacent peptides in current research.
Full profile| GHK-Cu | SS-31 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Anti-Aging & Longevity | Anti-Aging & Longevity |
| Also known as | Copper Peptide GHK-Cu, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper, Copper Tripeptide-1 | Elamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia, Szeto-Schiller peptide 31 |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Investigational (in trials) |
| Dosing range | 1mg–3mg mg, daily to every other day (injectable); twice daily (topical) | 1mg–10mg mg, daily or every other day |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, Topical application (cream, serum — most common consumer use), Intradermal injection (skincare clinics) | Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous (clinical trials) |
| Key side effects | Injection site redness (transient), Mild skin irritation with topical (typically resolves with reduced frequency), Rarely reported: metallic taste (with injectable use at higher doses) | Injection site reactions, Nausea (rare), Generally well-tolerated in clinical trial populations |
| Cited sources | 4 references | 2 references |
Key differences
- Evidence level differs: GHK-Cu is research-stage, while SS-31 is investigational (in trials).
- Administration: GHK-Cu — Subcutaneous injection, Topical application (cream, serum — most common consumer use), Intradermal injection (skincare clinics); SS-31 — Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous (clinical trials).
- Frequency: GHK-Cu is typically daily to every other day (injectable); twice daily (topical); SS-31 is daily or every other day.
- Research depth: this profile cites 4 sources for GHK-Cu vs 2 for SS-31.
How each works
GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu has been studied for its ability to stimulate collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promote wound healing, and exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Gene-expression work by Pickart and colleagues found GHK altered expression (>50% up or down) in roughly 32% of assayed human genes — the basis of the widely-cited '~4,000 genes' figure. Its evidence is strongest for in-vitro and topical/cosmetic use; robust human trials of injectable/systemic GHK-Cu are lacking.
SS-31
SS-31 selectively accumulates in mitochondria and binds cardiolipin — a phospholipid critical for the electron transport chain. By stabilizing cardiolipin, SS-31 restores ATP production, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS), and prevents mitochondrial permeability transition. Animal studies show dramatic reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction in aged tissues.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.