How to Reconstitute GHK-Cu: Step-by-Step Mixing Guide (2026)

Key Takeaways

• Reconstitution: GHK-Cu is supplied as a lyophilized powder and must be mixed with a diluent before use.
• Supplies Needed: Bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, syringes, GHK-Cu vial, and a sharps container.
• Correct Diluent: Bacteriostatic water is preferred for multi-dose vials due to its preservative properties.
• Storage: Store reconstituted GHK-Cu in the refrigerator and protect from light, with a typical shelf life of 14-28 days.
• Medical Supervision: Reconstitution and administration should only be done under medical supervision.

What Does Reconstitution Mean?

Reconstitution refers to the process of mixing a lyophilized peptide, such as GHK-Cu, with a liquid diluent to prepare it for administration. Peptides are often sold in this freeze-dried form to enhance stability and shelf life. The peptide encyclopedia provides further background on peptide formulations.

What You Need to Reconstitute GHK-Cu

To safely and effectively reconstitute GHK-Cu, you'll need the following supplies, all of which should be sourced from a licensed pharmacy or medical supplier:

• Bacteriostatic Water (BAC water): Contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol to inhibit bacterial growth, making it suitable for multi-dose vials.
• Alcohol Swabs: For sanitizing vial tops.
• Syringes: Typically 29-31 gauge insulin syringes are used for drawing and injecting.
• Lyophilized GHK-Cu Vial: The peptide in powder form.
• Sharps Container: For safe disposal of needles and syringes.

Choosing the Right Diluent

The choice of diluent is crucial for maintaining peptide stability and safety:

• Bacteriostatic Water: The most common choice, especially for multi-dose vials, due to its preservative content.
• Sterile Water: Single-use only, as it lacks preservatives.
• Sodium Chloride 0.9%: Occasionally used for specific peptides but not typically recommended for GHK-Cu.
• For GHK-Cu, bacteriostatic water is recommended to ensure the peptide remains stable over multiple uses.

Step-by-Step Reconstitution Instructions

1. Wash Hands: Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Clean Vial Tops: Use alcohol swabs to clean the tops of both the GHK-Cu vial and the BAC water vial.
3. Draw BAC Water: Using a syringe, draw the desired amount of BAC water.
4. Insert Needle at an Angle: Insert the needle into the GHK-Cu vial at an angle, aiming at the glass wall.
5. Slowly Release Water: Let the water run down the side of the vial to avoid damaging the peptide.
6. Gently Swirl: Swirl the vial gently until the peptide is fully dissolved. Do not shake.
7. Note Concentration: Based on the volume of water added, calculate the concentration of the solution.
8. Label the Vial: Include the date, peptide name, and concentration on the label.
9. Store Properly: Place the vial in the refrigerator immediately.

GHK-Cu Reconstitution Calculator

To determine the correct dosing:

• Example 1: If your vial contains 5 mg of GHK-Cu and you add 2 mL of BAC water, each 0.1 mL (10 units on an insulin syringe) will equal 250 mcg.
• Example 2: For a vial with 10 mg of GHK-Cu and 4 mL of BAC water, each 0.1 mL will equal 250 mcg.
• Formula: Desired dose (mcg) ÷ Concentration (mcg/mL) = Volume to inject (mL)

How Much Bacteriostatic Water to Add

Common reconstitution volumes for GHK-Cu include:

• 1 mL: Results in a more concentrated solution, allowing for smaller injection volumes.
• 2 mL: Offers a balance between concentration and ease of measurement.
• 4 mL: Useful for more precise dosing but requires larger injection volumes.
• Most clinics prefer 2 mL for ease of dose calculation and administration.

Storage After Reconstitution

Proper storage is essential for maintaining peptide efficacy:

• Temperature: Store at 36-46°F (2-8°C) in the refrigerator.
• Light Protection: Keep the vial away from direct light.
• Shelf Life: Typically 14-28 days when using BAC water. Single-use for sterile water.
• Degradation Signs: Discard if you notice cloudiness, particles, or color change.
• Never Freeze: Freezing can damage the peptide structure.
• Travel Considerations: Keep cool and protected from light during transport.

Common Reconstitution Mistakes

Avoid these errors to ensure safe and effective reconstitution:

• Spraying Water Directly: Damages the peptide.
• Shaking the Vial: Can denature the protein.
• Incorrect Water Volume: Affects concentration and dosing.
• Unclean Vial Tops: Increases contamination risk.
• Room Temperature Storage: Reduces peptide stability.
• Reusing Syringes: Increases infection risk.
• Expired BAC Water: Compromises preservation.

Reconstitution vs. Pre-Mixed Peptides

• Lyophilized Peptides: More stable for shipping and storage, requiring reconstitution.
• Pre-Mixed Peptides: Offered by some clinics but have a shorter shelf life.
• Most legitimate clinics provide lyophilized peptides to ensure stability and teach patients proper reconstitution techniques. Use our clinic finder to locate a provider.

Safety and Legal Considerations

• Prescription Requirement: Only use peptides prescribed by a licensed provider.
• Pharmaceutical-Grade Supplies: Ensure all materials are sourced from reputable suppliers.
• Regulatory Status: GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved and is available for research purposes only.
• Risks of Unregulated Sources: Can lead to issues with purity, contamination, and incorrect dosing.
• Sharps Disposal: Follow proper procedures for disposing of needles and syringes.

FAQ

Can I use regular water instead of bacteriostatic water?

No, regular water lacks preservatives and can increase the risk of contamination.

How long does reconstituted GHK-Cu last?

Typically, 14-28 days when stored properly in the refrigerator with BAC water.

Can I travel with reconstituted peptides?

Yes, but ensure they remain cool and protected from light during transport.

What if the powder doesn't dissolve?

Ensure you are using the correct amount of diluent and gently swirling the vial. If issues persist, consult your healthcare provider.

Can I mix GHK-Cu with other peptides in the same syringe?

Mixing peptides is not recommended unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.

How do I know if my reconstituted peptide has gone bad?

Look for signs of degradation such as cloudiness, particles, or color change.

What syringe size should I use?

A 29-31 gauge insulin syringe is typically recommended for both drawing and injecting.

What the Evidence Does Not Show

While GHK-Cu has shown promising results in preclinical studies (PMID 29986520, PMID 35083444), it is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use. Current evidence is primarily from in vitro and animal studies, and human clinical trials are necessary to fully understand its efficacy and safety profile.

This guide is for educational purposes only. Peptide reconstitution should only be performed under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider. Never self-prescribe or self-administer peptides without medical supervision. Use our clinic finder to find a qualified peptide therapy provider.