New — Free Peptide Starter Guide (2026): 13 chapters, 34 cited studies

Get it free
ToolsCompareDS5 vs GHK

DS5 vs GHK

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Sleep Optimization
DS5
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
GHK
Summary
DS5 is a synthetic variant of the delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP), a nonapeptide originally isolated from rabbit cerebrospinal fluid during slow-wave sleep. Like DSIP, DS5 is explored for sleep optimization, stress modulation, and circadian rhythm normalization, with proposed improvements in potency or stability over the parent molecule.
GHK is the natural tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) released from human albumin that activates tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and anti-aging gene expression. The copper-free form is the biological signaling molecule; it chelates copper in tissue to form GHK-Cu but also has independent biological activity.
Half-Life
Estimated 30-60 minutes (peptide degradation)
Extremely short as free peptide; tissue binding extends local effects
Admin Route
Subcutaneous, Intranasal (research)
SubQ, Topical, Oral
Research
Typical Dose
200-500 mcg per dose
100–500 mcg
Frequency
Once nightly
Daily or 5x per week
Key Benefits
  • Promotes delta-wave (deep) sleep and improves sleep quality
  • May reduce sleep onset latency
  • HPA axis modulation for stress reduction
  • Non-addictive sleep support without tolerance development
  • Potential circadian rhythm normalization
  • Explored for insomnia, chronic stress, and PTSD-related sleep disturbance
  • Stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis
  • Activates tissue repair gene expression programs
  • Anti-aging: reverses 57% of age-related gene changes
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
  • Wound healing and skin barrier repair
  • Improves skin laxity, texture, and radiance
  • Neuroprotective (stimulates NGF, BDNF)
  • Anti-fibrotic in liver and lung models
Side Effects
  • Generally well-tolerated in research subjects
  • Possible morning grogginess at higher doses
  • Mild blood pressure fluctuations reported with DSIP
  • Limited human safety data for DS5 specifically
  • Excellent safety profile (naturally occurring peptide)
  • Rare: mild injection site reaction (SC)
  • No significant adverse effects identified in research
Stacks With