SS-31 (Elamipretide) vs GHK-Cu
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)Skin & CosmeticRecovery & RepairAnti-Aging & Longevity
GHK-Cu- Summary
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and protects cardiolipin from oxidative damage. It is one of the most promising mitochondrial longevity compounds, studied in clinical trials for heart failure, renal disease, and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- ~2–5 hours
- 2–4 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, Topical
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 5–10 mg
- 1–3 mg
- Frequency
- Daily to several times per week
- 3–5 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Restores mitochondrial function and ATP production
- Protects inner mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin
- Reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue
- Cardioprotective — studied in heart failure trials
- Renoprotective — reduces ischemic kidney injury
- Anti-aging via mitochondrial preservation
- Potential in neurodegenerative disease prevention
- 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
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Temporary blue-green discoloration at injection site (from copper — harmless)
- Post-injection sting (brief)
- Skin irritation with topical use (rare)
- Stacks With
- —
- —