GHK-Cu vs MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticRecovery & RepairAnti-Aging & Longevity
GHK-CuAnabolic & IGF
MGF (Mechano Growth Factor)- 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.
- MGF (Mechano Growth Factor) is a splice variant of IGF-1 that is locally produced in muscle tissue in response to mechanical damage from exercise. It activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) to proliferate and repair damaged fibers, making it specifically targeted at exercise-induced hypertrophy.
- Half-Life
- 2–4 hours
- Native MGF: minutes. PEG-MGF: ~3 days
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Topical
- SubQ, IM
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 1–3 mg
- 200–400 mcg
- Frequency
- 3–5 times per week
- 1–2 times per week
- 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
- Activates muscle satellite cells for repair and growth
- Accelerates recovery from muscle damage
- Synergistic with IGF-1 LR3 (different mechanisms)
- Promotes muscle hypertrophy specifically at exercised muscles
- Faster recovery between training sessions
- Potential for injury repair in connective tissue
- Side Effects
- Temporary blue-green discoloration at injection site (from copper — harmless)
- Post-injection sting (brief)
- Skin irritation with topical use (rare)
- Muscle soreness (satellite cell activation)
- Injection site irritation
- Hypoglycemia risk (modest, less than IGF-1 LR3)
- Stacks With
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