GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500 Stack Guide
The GLOW Stack — the ultimate tissue repair and skin rejuvenation combination. Complete dosing protocols, timing, cycling, and safety for GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500 together.
In This Guide
Stack Overview
The GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500 combination — known as the “GLOW Stack” — is the most comprehensive peptide stack for skin rejuvenation, collagen synthesis, and tissue repair. It builds on the proven Wolverine Stack by adding GHK-Cu's copper peptide-driven extracellular matrix remodeling, collagen activation, and potent antioxidant activity to BPC-157's localized tissue repair and TB-500's systemic anti-inflammatory healing.
Key Characteristics:
- 3-peptide stack — GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) + BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) + TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment)
- Primary goal — skin rejuvenation, collagen synthesis, anti-aging, wound healing, joint and tendon repair, and comprehensive tissue recovery
- Triple-mechanism synergy — GHK-Cu remodels the extracellular matrix and activates collagen; BPC-157 promotes local angiogenesis and growth factors; TB-500 drives systemic anti-inflammation and cell migration
- Experience level — intermediate; recommended for users with prior peptide experience due to the 3-compound protocol and daily injection commitment
- Typical cycle — 6–8 weeks with TB-500 loading phase in the first 4 weeks
- Administration — subcutaneous injection for all three peptides; GHK-Cu can also be applied topically for surface skin benefits; BPC-157 can be taken orally for gut conditions
Use our Peptide Dosage Calculator to calculate exact doses for all three peptides based on your vial sizes and reconstitution volumes.
Why This Stack Works
The GLOW Stack is effective because it combines three peptides that operate through fundamentally different but complementary mechanisms. Rather than addressing a single pathway, this combination targets tissue repair from three distinct angles: matrix remodeling, localized repair, and systemic healing.
GHK-Cu: The Matrix Remodeler
- Collagen synthesis: directly stimulates production of collagen types I, III, and V in fibroblasts, rebuilding the structural foundation of skin, tendons, and connective tissue
- Extracellular matrix remodeling: activates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that break down damaged tissue while simultaneously promoting deposition of new, organized matrix components
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: one of the most potent natural antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative damage that accelerates tissue aging
- Immune cell attraction: attracts macrophages and mast cells to sites of damage, coordinating the immune response for efficient wound healing and tissue remodeling
BPC-157: The Local Repair Agent
- Angiogenesis: upregulates VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), promoting formation of new blood vessels at the injury site to deliver nutrients and oxygen
- Growth factor expression: increases EGF, FGF, and other factors that stimulate cell proliferation and tissue remodeling
- Nitric oxide modulation: interacts with the NO system to regulate blood flow, inflammation, and repair signaling at the injury site
- Tendon and collagen: enhances tendon-to-bone healing and collagen organization in animal models
TB-500: The Systemic Healer
- Actin regulation: sequesters G-actin to promote cell migration, allowing repair cells to reach damaged tissue faster
- Anti-inflammatory: reduces systemic inflammation, creating a more favorable environment for healing throughout the body
- Flexibility and remodeling: promotes tissue remodeling and reduces scar tissue formation, improving functional recovery
- Blood cell production: stimulates new blood cell formation and improves endothelial cell function
The Triple Synergy
GHK-Cu rebuilds the structural framework — collagen matrix, connective tissue scaffolding, and skin architecture. BPC-157 creates a favorable local healing environment with new blood vessels, growth factors, and enhanced nitric oxide signaling. TB-500 reduces systemic inflammation and promotes the migration of repair cells toward these enriched environments. The result is faster, more complete tissue repair with visible skin improvements that neither the Wolverine Stack nor GHK-Cu alone can match.
Individual Peptide Breakdown
Each peptide in this stack has a dedicated dosage guide with complete individual protocols. Here is a summary of each peptide's role in the GLOW Stack.
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)
- Type: Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (3 amino acids + Cu2+)
- Origin: Found naturally in human plasma, saliva, and urine; levels decline with age
- Role in stack: Collagen synthesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, antioxidant protection, immune cell recruitment
- Route: Subcutaneous injection or topical
- Frequency: Once daily
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157)
- Type: Synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids)
- Origin: Derived from human gastric juice proteins
- Role in stack: Localized tissue repair, angiogenesis, growth factor upregulation
- Route: Subcutaneous injection (near injury) or oral
- Frequency: Once or twice daily
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment)
- Type: Synthetic peptide fragment of Thymosin Beta-4 (43 amino acids)
- Origin: Based on naturally occurring thymic peptide involved in cell migration
- Role in stack: Systemic anti-inflammation, cell migration, tissue remodeling
- Route: Subcutaneous injection
- Frequency: Twice weekly (loading), once weekly (maintenance)
Dosing Protocol
The GLOW Stack uses different dosing frequencies for each peptide. GHK-Cu and BPC-157 are injected daily, while TB-500 follows a loading/maintenance schedule with less frequent injections.
Standard Protocol
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | 1–2 mg | Once daily | SubQ (abdomen or target area) | Consistent daily dosing throughout the entire cycle; start at 1 mg and increase to 2 mg if well tolerated |
| BPC-157 | 250 mcg | Once or twice daily | SubQ (near injury or target area) | Consistent daily dosing throughout the entire cycle |
| TB-500 | 2–2.5 mg | Twice weekly (loading) | SubQ (abdomen or near injury) | Loading phase: weeks 1–4 to build systemic levels |
| TB-500 | 2–2.5 mg | Once weekly (maintenance) | SubQ (abdomen or near injury) | Maintenance phase: weeks 5–8 after loading |
Skin-Focused Protocol (Lower Dose)
Calculate Your Doses
All three peptides are supplied as lyophilized powder and need reconstitution with bacteriostatic water. The dose you draw depends on the concentration after reconstitution.
GHK-Cu — 10 mg Vial
- Vial size: 10 mg (10,000 mcg)
- Bacteriostatic water: 2 mL
- Concentration: 10,000 ÷ 2 = 5,000 mcg/mL (5 mg/mL)
- 2 mg dose = 0.4 mL = 40 units on insulin syringe
- Doses per vial: 5 doses (at 2 mg)
BPC-157 — 5 mg Vial
- Vial size: 5 mg (5,000 mcg)
- Bacteriostatic water: 2 mL
- Concentration: 5,000 ÷ 2 = 2,500 mcg/mL
- 250 mcg dose = 0.1 mL = 10 units on insulin syringe
- Doses per vial: 20 doses
TB-500 — 5 mg Vial
- Vial size: 5 mg (5,000 mcg)
- Bacteriostatic water: 1 mL
- Concentration: 5,000 ÷ 1 = 5,000 mcg/mL
- 2.5 mg dose = 0.5 mL = 50 units on insulin syringe
- Doses per vial: 2 doses
Skip the Math — Use Our Calculator
Enter your vial size, water volume, and desired dose for each peptide — get instant calculations with zero manual math.
Reconstitution Guide
All three peptides follow the same reconstitution process. Reconstitute each vial separately with bacteriostatic water.
| Peptide | Vial Size | Bac Water | Concentration | Standard Dose Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | 10 mg | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 40 units (0.4 mL) for 2 mg |
| BPC-157 | 5 mg | 2 mL | 2,500 mcg/mL | 10 units (0.1 mL) for 250 mcg |
| TB-500 | 5 mg | 1 mL | 5,000 mcg/mL | 50 units (0.5 mL) for 2.5 mg |
Wash Hands & Prepare Workspace
Wash hands thoroughly. Lay out supplies: peptide vials, bacteriostatic water, insulin syringes, and alcohol swabs on a clean surface.
Swab All Vial Stoppers
Remove plastic caps and swab the rubber stoppers of each peptide vial and the bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol pads. Let air-dry for 10–15 seconds.
Add Water to Each Peptide Vial
Draw the appropriate volume of bacteriostatic water for each vial. Insert needle and direct the stream down the inside glass wall — never squirt directly onto the powder. Release slowly. Reconstitute each vial separately.
Dissolve Gently
Let each vial sit for 1–2 minutes, then gently swirl or roll between palms until fully dissolved. GHK-Cu solution may have a faint blue tint from the copper — this is normal. All solutions should be clear. Never shake.
Label & Refrigerate
Write the reconstitution date and concentration on each vial. Store all vials refrigerated at 2–8°C. Use within 28–30 days.
For a detailed visual walkthrough, see our Reconstitution Guide.
Timing & Daily Schedule
The three peptides in this stack have different dosing frequencies. Here is how a typical week looks during the loading phase (weeks 1–4):
| Day | GHK-Cu | BPC-157 | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 2 mg | 250 mcg AM + 250 mcg PM | 2.5 mg |
| Tuesday | 2 mg | 250 mcg AM + 250 mcg PM | — |
| Wednesday | 2 mg | 250 mcg AM + 250 mcg PM | — |
| Thursday | 2 mg | 250 mcg AM + 250 mcg PM | 2.5 mg |
| Friday | 2 mg | 250 mcg AM + 250 mcg PM | — |
| Saturday | 2 mg | 250 mcg AM + 250 mcg PM | — |
| Sunday | 2 mg | 250 mcg AM + 250 mcg PM | — |
Timing Notes
- GHK-Cu: Once daily at a consistent time. Morning is most common. No strict meal or fasting requirements.
- BPC-157: Split doses 8–12 hours apart (e.g., 8 AM and 8 PM) when dosing twice daily. No strict meal or fasting requirements for injectable dosing.
- TB-500: Can be injected at any time of day. Space injections 3–4 days apart during loading (e.g., Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday).
- Same session: All three peptides can be injected in the same session using separate syringes. No waiting period between injections.
- Injection sites: GHK-Cu in the abdomen or near the target area; BPC-157 near the injury or target tissue for localized effect; TB-500 works systemically from any SubQ site (abdomen is most convenient).
Cycling & Duration
The GLOW Stack is typically run for 6–8 weeks. Longer cycles are possible for chronic skin conditions or deep tissue damage but should include periodic reassessment.
| Phase | Duration | GHK-Cu | BPC-157 | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading | Weeks 1–4 | 1–2 mg daily | 250 mcg 1–2x/day | 2–2.5 mg 2x/week |
| Maintenance | Weeks 5–8 | 1–2 mg daily | 250 mcg 1–2x/day | 2–2.5 mg 1x/week |
| Break | 2–4 weeks off | None | None | None |
| Repeat (if needed) | 6–8 weeks | Resume daily | Resume daily | Resume with loading phase |
When to Extend the Cycle
- Significant skin damage or scarring: Deep scars, sun damage, or post-surgical skin may need 10–12 weeks for meaningful collagen remodeling
- Chronic tendinopathy with skin concerns: When addressing both internal tissue repair and external skin health simultaneously
- Anti-aging protocols: Some users run GHK-Cu alone at maintenance doses after completing the full GLOW Stack cycle for ongoing collagen support
Why Take a Break?
The break period serves to: (1) assess improvements without peptide support and confirm that collagen remodeling is structural, (2) allow the body to consolidate the tissue changes stimulated during the cycle, and (3) reduce unnecessary exposure to research compounds when the therapeutic goal may have been achieved. GHK-Cu in particular stimulates long-lasting matrix changes that continue developing after the peptide is discontinued.
Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications
Common Side Effects
- Injection site redness, soreness, or minor swelling — the most common report across all three peptides
- GHK-Cu injection site may show mild irritation or warmth due to the copper component
- Mild nausea — more common with BPC-157, usually resolves within days
- Transient fatigue or lethargy — occasionally reported
- Headache — may occur in the first few days of use
- Faint blue tint at injection site — rare, related to copper in GHK-Cu, resolves quickly
Contraindications
- Active cancer or history of cancer: All three peptides promote aspects of tissue growth — BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis, TB-500 drives cell migration, and GHK-Cu stimulates cell proliferation. These effects could theoretically support tumor growth. Avoid use with active malignancies.
- Wilson's disease or copper metabolism disorders: GHK-Cu introduces additional copper into the body. Individuals with Wilson's disease or other copper accumulation disorders should not use GHK-Cu.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: No safety data exists for any of these peptides during pregnancy or nursing. Avoid entirely.
- Active infections at injection site: Do not inject through infected, inflamed, or broken skin.
- Anticoagulant therapy: BPC-157 interacts with the NO system and may affect platelet function. Consult your healthcare provider if taking blood thinners.
Stack-Specific Safety Notes
- No known negative interaction: GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500 have not been shown to interfere with each other. They operate through different mechanisms and pathways.
- Increased angiogenic and proliferative load: The three-peptide combination promotes tissue growth through multiple pathways simultaneously. While beneficial for repair, this reinforces the theoretical concern about use with active cancers.
- Copper accumulation: At recommended doses (1–2 mg/day), GHK-Cu contributes a very small amount of copper. This is not a concern for healthy individuals, but those on copper-containing supplements should be aware of cumulative intake.
- Separate syringes: Use dedicated syringes for each peptide. The copper ion in GHK-Cu could potentially interact with other peptides if mixed in solution.
Common GLOW Stack Mistakes
Avoid these common errors to get the most out of your GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500 protocol:
Topical copper peptide serums improve surface skin quality but do not penetrate deeply enough for joint, tendon, or systemic tissue repair. For deep tissue and systemic benefits, subcutaneous injection at 1–2 mg daily is required.
TB-500 requires a loading phase (2–2.5 mg twice weekly for 4 weeks) to build up systemic levels. Starting at the maintenance dose provides inadequate initial tissue saturation and delays results significantly.
Collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix remodeling are slow biological processes. GHK-Cu stimulates these pathways, but visible skin improvements typically require 4–6 weeks of consistent use. Healing peptide effects (BPC-157 and TB-500) appear faster, but skin rejuvenation requires patience.
Copper peptide applied to open wounds, active acne lesions, or freshly treated skin (post-laser, post-peel) can cause irritation and worsen inflammation. Allow wounds to close and acute inflammation to subside before applying topical GHK-Cu. Injectable GHK-Cu does not have this limitation.
Stability and compatibility data for combining GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500 in a single syringe is not established. The copper ion in GHK-Cu could potentially interact with other peptides in solution. Use separate syringes for each peptide.
GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500 have different dose sizes and vial concentrations. Calculate reconstitution volumes independently for each peptide to ensure accurate dosing. Using the dosage calculator prevents errors.
All three peptides must be refrigerated at 2–8°C after reconstitution. GHK-Cu in particular is sensitive to degradation at room temperature. Use reconstituted vials within 28–30 days.
GHK-Cu follows a dose-response curve where higher is not necessarily better. Doses above 2–3 mg daily have not been shown to provide additional benefit in community reports and may increase injection site irritation. Stick to the 1–2 mg daily range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- The GLOW Stack (GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500) is the most comprehensive skin and tissue repair peptide combination — addressing tissue recovery through matrix remodeling (GHK-Cu), localized repair (BPC-157), and systemic healing (TB-500)
- GHK-Cu dose: 1–2 mg SubQ once daily throughout the entire 6–8 week cycle for collagen synthesis and matrix remodeling
- BPC-157 dose: 250 mcg SubQ once or twice daily near the injury or target area throughout the cycle
- TB-500 dose: 2–2.5 mg SubQ twice weekly (loading) then once weekly (maintenance)
- TB-500 requires a loading phase (weeks 1–4) to build systemic levels before dropping to maintenance
- Use separate syringes for each peptide — do not mix any of the three in the same syringe
- Be patient with skin results — collagen remodeling takes 4–6 weeks to become visible, with continued improvement through 8–12 weeks
- Typical cycle: 6–8 weeks with 2–4 weeks off before repeating if needed
- Refrigerate all reconstituted vials at 2–8°C and use within 28–30 days
- Avoid with active cancer or copper metabolism disorders — all three peptides promote tissue growth pathways
- None of these peptides is FDA-approved for human use. All are classified as research peptides. BPC-157 and TB-500 are banned by WADA.
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500 are not approved by the FDA for human use and are classified as research peptides. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any research peptide, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, are taking medications, or are pregnant or nursing. See our Medical Disclaimer.
References
- Pickart L, Margolina A. “Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data.” Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987.
- Pickart L. “The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling.” J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-988.
- Canapp SO Jr, et al. “The effect of topical tripeptide-copper complex on healing of ischemic open wounds.” Vet Surg. 2003;32(6):515-523.
- Sikiric P, et al. “Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract.” Curr Pharm Des. 2018;24(18):1990-2001.
- Staresinic M, et al. “Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon.” J Orthop Res. 2003;21(6):976-983.
- Goldstein AL, et al. “Thymosin beta4: actin-sequestering protein moonlights to repair injured tissues.” Trends Mol Med. 2005;11(9):421-429.
- Malinda KM, et al. “Thymosin beta4 accelerates wound healing.” J Invest Dermatol. 1999;113(3):364-368.
- Pickart L, et al. “GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration.” Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108.
- Seiwerth S, et al. “BPC 157's effect on healing.” J Physiol Paris. 2014;108(2-3):51-59.
Next Steps
Continue your research with these resources.
GHK-Cu Dosage Guide
Complete individual dosing protocols, reconstitution, and injection guide for GHK-Cu copper peptide.
Read GuideBPC-157 Dosage Guide
Complete individual dosing protocols, reconstitution, and injection guide for BPC-157.
Read GuideTB-500 Dosage Guide
Complete individual dosing protocols, loading/maintenance phases, and safety for TB-500.
Read GuideWolverine Stack Guide
The simpler BPC-157 + TB-500 healing stack if you want tissue repair without the skin rejuvenation focus.
Read GuideDosage Calculator
Calculate exact doses for all three peptides based on vial size and reconstitution volume.
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