GHK-Cu Before and After: Real Results
One of our founders saw transformative results with consistent daily use of research-backed copper peptide formulations
2021
2025
Why We Started PLU Laboratories
In 2021, one of our founders decided something had to change. He'd tried minoxidil but dealt with scalp irritation. After diving into published research on GHK-Cu and copper peptides, he knew he'd found something different.
But sourcing quality copper peptides meant ordering from overseas suppliers - some delivered poor quality product, others took months to arrive. Finding reliable sources meant navigating 6-8 week shipments, clearing customs, and hoping concentrations matched what he ordered.
He committed to consistent daily use with GHK-Cu + Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 for his hair. The photos tell his story - 2021 to 2025.
Through his research, he also discovered GHK-Cu's applications for facial skin appearance when combined with Matrixyl 3000. The same sourcing challenges applied - finding clinical concentrations without unnecessary additives or filler dilution was nearly impossible.
That formulation he used for his hair became our Hair Tonic. The skin formulation he developed became our Face Tonic. We started PLU Laboratories because these products didn't exist anywhere else - and everyone deserves access to research-backed copper peptide formulations without the frustration of trial and error.
We Want to See Your Transformation
You've seen our founder's results. Now we want to see yours. Every transformation tells a story of commitment, consistency, and the power of quality copper peptide formulations.
Use code TRANSFORMATION on your first order, share your before and after photos with us, and we'll send you a unique code for 50% off your next order. Your results don't just inspire us - they inspire others who are just beginning their journey.
How the TRANSFORMATION Program Works
1. Use Code TRANSFORMATION
Apply code TRANSFORMATION at checkout on your 12-week supply. Take your "before" photo before you start.
2. Commit Daily
Consistency is everything. Use your product every day and watch the gradual changes unfold.
3. Submit Your Photos
Email your before/after photos to productteam@plulaboratories.com
Subject line: TRANSFORMATION
Include: Your order number
4. Get 50% Off
We'll send you a unique code for 50% off your next order. Your commitment deserves recognition.
By submitting photos and your order number, you grant PLU Laboratories permission to use your images on our website and marketing materials.
Why Copper Peptides?
GHK-Cu isn't just another ingredient - it's a copper peptide that's been studied for decades for its effects on how skin and hair appear. Users report seeing fuller-looking hair, firmer skin texture, and improvements in overall appearance with consistent use. These aren't magic results - they're the outcome of supporting your body's natural processes with research-backed formulations.
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper) is a naturally occurring copper peptide that has been extensively studied in published research for its role in collagen production, tissue repair, and skin regeneration. When formulated at clinical concentrations and combined with complementary peptides, copper peptides deliver visible improvements in both hair and skin appearance.
Hair Benefits vs. Skin Benefits
Hair Appearance
Fuller-looking hair: Users report improvements in hair density and thickness appearance with consistent use of GHK-Cu + Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3.
Scalp health: Copper peptides support the scalp environment, which is essential for healthy-looking hair growth.
Texture improvements: Hair appears stronger and healthier with daily application over time.
Skin Appearance
Firmer-looking skin: GHK-Cu combined with Matrixyl 3000 helps skin appear more toned and resilient.
Improved texture: Users notice smoother-looking skin and enhanced overall appearance with consistent application.
Fine line appearance: The peptide system supports collagen production, which affects how fine lines and wrinkles appear.
What to Expect: Your Copper Peptide Timeline
Copper peptide formulations deliver visible results, but they require consistency and patience. Everyone's timeline is different based on individual factors, application frequency, and starting point. Here's what users typically report at each stage with daily use.
Hair Tonic Timeline
Weeks 1-4
Scalp feels healthier with improved comfort. Hair appears smoother with improved texture. Initial improvements in how hair looks and feels with daily copper peptide application.
Weeks 8-12
Notable improvements in hair density appearance and scalp health. Hair appears thicker with improved shine and texture. The GHK-Cu + Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 system delivers visible results consistent with research timelines.
Months 6-12
Continued improvements in hair fullness appearance and scalp environment. Users report sustained improvements in hair density and overall hair health appearance with consistent application.
Year 1+
Long-term support for fuller-looking, denser hair appearance with continued daily application. Ongoing peptide delivery maintains and enhances results over time.
Face Tonic Timeline
Weeks 1-4
Skin feels smoother with improved comfort and texture appearance. Initial improvements in how skin looks and feels. Visible improvements in skin tone evenness and overall appearance.
Weeks 8-12
Notable improvements in fine lines appearance, skin elasticity, and skin firmness. The GHK-Cu + Matrixyl 3000 system delivers visible results consistent with published research timelines on collagen production.
Months 6-12
Continued improvements in skin texture and overall facial appearance. Fine lines look less prominent, skin appears firmer and more resilient with ongoing peptide delivery at clinical concentrations.
Year 1+
Ongoing support for firmer-looking, smoother facial skin with continued daily application. Long-term peptide use supports sustained improvements in skin appearance.
Individual results may vary. Research on copper peptides, Matrixyl 3000, and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 noted visible improvements within study timeframes with consistent use of peptide complexes.
Two Formulations, Focused Results
We don't believe in kitchen-sink formulations. Each PLU product contains exactly 6 ingredients - the peptides that deliver results and nothing more. Everything else is dilution that compromises efficacy.
Hair Tonic
The Formula: GHK-Cu (1%) + Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (1%)
What It Delivers:
- Fuller hair appearance and improved hair density
- Scalp health support and enhanced scalp circulation
- Improved hair texture and shine
- Visible improvements in overall hair appearance
Face Tonic
The Formula: GHK-Cu (1%) + Matrixyl 3000 (3%)
What It Delivers:
- Firmer skin appearance through enhanced collagen synthesis
- Reduced fine line appearance via collagen production support
- Improved skin texture and skin elasticity
- Enhanced skin regeneration, wound healing, and tissue repair
What We Don't Include
- No hyaluronic acid
- No vitamin C
- No botanical fillers or DHT blockers
Six ingredients. Two formulations. Maximum peptide delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long until I see results with GHK-Cu?
Results vary based on individual factors, but most users report initial improvements within 3-4 weeks of daily use. Notable changes in hair density appearance and skin texture typically become visible around weeks 8-12.
The before and after photos you saw above represent years of consistent daily application. Real transformation takes time - months to years for dramatic results. Reference our timeline section above for detailed expectations at each stage.
Can I use both Hair Tonic and Face Tonic together?
Yes, absolutely. Hair Tonic is formulated for scalp application, while Face Tonic is designed for facial skin. They target different areas with different peptide combinations optimized for each application.
Many of our customers use both products as part of their daily routine - Hair Tonic in the morning for scalp and hair appearance, Face Tonic morning or evening for facial skin appearance.
How do I apply copper peptide products?
Application is simple and takes under 30 seconds per product:
Hair Tonic: Apply 2-3 drops directly to clean, dry scalp. Massage gently with fingertips to distribute. No need to rinse - let it absorb fully.
Face Tonic: Apply 2-3 drops to clean, dry facial skin. Gently massage into skin until absorbed. Follow with your regular moisturizer if desired.
Consistency matters more than quantity. Daily application at clinical concentrations delivers better results than sporadic use.
Can I use these with my other skincare/hair products?
Yes, with some important considerations:
Avoid mixing with: Vitamin C serums (degrades copper peptides) and high-concentration retinol products on the same area at the same time.
Safe to combine with: Moisturizers, sunscreen, and most other skincare products. Apply copper peptides first on clean skin, let them absorb fully, then layer other products.
Our formulations are intentionally simple to avoid ingredient conflicts that reduce peptide efficacy.
How does copper peptide hair serum compare to minoxidil?
Minoxidil works as a vasodilator (blood vessel widener) originally developed to lower blood pressure. Clinical research published in StatPearls documents that 46.5% of minoxidil users experience side effects including skin irritation and scalp irritation (13.8%), unwanted facial hair (12.3%), and contact dermatitis from propylene glycol.
Copper peptides like GHK-Cu work through different amino acid signaling mechanisms studied in tissue remodeling research. The copper peptide complex supports hair follicle appearance and hair growth without the vasodilation-related side effects, skin irritation, or propylene glycol irritation common with minoxidil formulations.
How does this compare to retinol for skin?
Retinol and copper peptides work through different mechanisms. Retinol increases cell turnover but often causes irritation, peeling, and sun sensitivity - especially when starting or using higher concentrations.
GHK-Cu copper peptides support collagen production and skin regeneration without the irritation typical of retinol. Many users report improvements in skin elasticity and fine line appearance without the adjustment period, redness, or peeling associated with retinoid products.
Some people use both, but avoid applying them at the same time. Copper peptides in the morning, retinol at night is a common approach.
Why don't you include hyaluronic acid or vitamin C?
This is intentional, not an oversight. Hyaluronic acid dilutes peptide concentrations - most skincare products add it as filler, reducing the percentage of active peptides below clinically studied levels.
Vitamin C chemically degrades copper peptides. The ascorbic acid reduces copper ions, breaking down the GHK-Cu complex and compromising efficacy. Many brands combine them without understanding this incompatibility.
We focus on peptide delivery at clinical concentrations. If you want hyaluronic acid or vitamin C benefits, use them separately - just not in the same formulation as copper peptides.
What makes PLU different from other copper peptide products?
Three key differences:
1. Clinical concentrations: We use 1% GHK-Cu, 1% Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (hair), and 3% Matrixyl 3000 (face) - matching concentrations studied in research. Most products dilute peptides to 0.1% or less with botanical fillers.
2. Dual-peptide systems: We combine GHK-Cu with complementary peptides for synergistic effects. Single-peptide products or random peptide cocktails don't deliver the same targeted results.
3. No competing ingredients: We don't add hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or botanical extracts that dilute or degrade peptides. Six ingredients per formula - just what works.