GHK-Cu vs ARA-290
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper complex that declines with age. It is one of the most studied anti-aging peptides, known for powerful skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and tissue remodeling effects.
- ARA-290 is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the helix B region of erythropoietin (EPO). Unlike EPO, it selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR) without stimulating hematopoiesis, providing tissue protection, anti-inflammation, and neuropathy relief.
- Half-Life
- 2–4 hours
- ~2–4 hours (SC administration)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Topical
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 1–3 mg
- 4 mg (fixed dose)
- Frequency
- 3–5 times per week
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Improves skin firmness and elasticity
- Accelerates wound healing
- Reduces inflammation and oxidative damage
- Promotes hair growth and thickness
- Supports collagen and elastin production
- May improve overall skin health and appearance
- Resets aged fibroblast behavior
- Anti-fibrotic — reduces scar tissue formation
- Reduces neuropathic pain from small fiber neuropathy
- Anti-inflammatory without immune suppression
- Tissue protection after ischemia/reperfusion injury
- Promotes nerve fiber regeneration
- Improves symptoms of sarcoidosis-associated neuropathy
- May reduce insulin resistance and improve metabolic health
- Shown to improve autonomic neuropathy symptoms
- Side Effects
- Temporary blue-green discoloration at injection site (from copper — harmless)
- Post-injection sting (brief)
- Skin irritation with topical use (rare)
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fatigue at initiation
- Transient warm sensation post-injection
- Rare: mild headache
- Stacks With
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