Deep Dive
GHK-Cu - The Superior Hair Loss Treatment
Everything you need to know about GHK-Cu
FORMULATED BASED ON SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE FROM...
What is GHK-Cu Copper Peptide?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide that plays a key role in cellular repair and regeneration—especially when it comes to hair loss. In the scalp, it helps stimulate new growth and prevent further hair loss by increasing blood flow (similar to how Minoxidil, or Rogaine, works), reducing inflammation, and activating key genes that support hair follicle repair and growth—such as VEGF and WNT. It also helps counter oxidative stress and DHT-related damage, two major factors of hair loss. By restoring a healthy environment around the follicle, GHK-Cu helps reactivate dormant follicles and support the natural hair growth cycle—without the side effects of conventional drugs.
How was our formula developed?
The story behind Maneup starts in 1973, when GHK-Cu Copper Peptide was first discovered by biochemist Dr. Loren Pickart. Originally identified in human plasma, GHK-Cu was found to play a critical role in wound healing, tissue regeneration, and cellular communication. Early clinical use focused on anti-aging applications— But as more research emerged, scientists began to uncover its application in hair loss.
Over the next several decades, both in vitro and in vivo studies began to highlight GHK-Cu’s powerful impact on hair follicle biology. Research showed that it stimulates angiogenesis, increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and downregulates inflammatory markers—all of which are essential for reversing miniaturization of hair follicles. Even more impressively, GHK-Cu has been shown to activate Wnt signaling pathways and upregulate genes involved in hair growth, all without disrupting hormones or causing systemic side effects. Despite the mounting evidence, this promising compound remained largely overlooked by the mainstream hair loss industry.
So we picked up where the research left off and thought, “Why are we still relying on outdated medications with known side effects to treat hair loss?” For decades, the market has been dominated by drugs like finasteride and minoxidil—despite the fact that they are far from the perfect solution.
We didn’t just rely on the old studies—we gathered new data. Our team conducted 12 small-batch production runs, tested different delivery mechanisms and concentrations, and consulted with experts in peptide science, dermatology, and trichology. We evaluated every prototype internally and externally, making sure we had a formula that was absolutely perfect.
What we have created today is a product that is perfectly tailored to the consumer that wants the safest and most effective hair loss solution, but doesn’t want to take traditional hair loss medications that have potential side effects and long term health consequences.
AMAZING!
"Im starting to love the product! Been using it for a few months now and the front of my hairline is really starting to fill in."
NOLAN HYLAND
Professional MMA Fighter
How is our GHK-Cu sourced and made?
Our GHK-Cu is produced through proprietary processes in an FDA registered facility in the United States. This facility is CGMP, and ISO-9001 Certified by the NSF, can you check out our certification here. Each production batch is carefully 3rd party tested for quality and purity which you can review here. Our GHK-Cu is made in partnership with Formu Nova LLC.
Clinical Validation
GHK-Cu has been the subject of extensive clinical research since its discovery in 1973 with the latest studies occurring in 2023, and more planned for the future. Its mechanism of action is well understood, and no evidence in vivo or in vitro suggests it is harmful, toxic, or hormonally disruptive.
In addition to the wealth of clinical research surrounding GHK-Cu, we conducted our own small batch study to evaluate how our formulation compares to conventional treatments. The study involved 25 participants over a five-month period, comparing Maneup’s 0.5% GHK-Cu formula against a control group using 5% Minoxidil. The results spoke for themselves:
75% increase in hair density by month 5 (mean follicle count)
96% of participants saw significant visual improvements and were satisfied with the results
100% reported zero side effects
And interestingly, 8% noticed a reduction in gray hairs
These early findings reinforce what the broader scientific literature has already suggested—GHK-Cu isn’t just safe, it works. And when delivered in the right formulation, it can outperform the status quo.
Planned Studies for 2025/2026
In vivo Proprietary GHK-Cu encapsulation for enhanced delivery and skin permeability (human)
Dissolution
In vivo GHK-Cu Proprietary Delivery System Half Life (human)
FAQs
Do I need a prescription to buy Maneup?
No, topical GHK-Cu is not classified as a drug by the FDA, and can be purchased for cosmetic use.
Is GHK-Cu FDA approved?
No, as of now GHK-Cu is not FDA approved to treat hair loss or any other medical condition.
Why don’t doctors recommend GHK-Cu for hair loss?
The line between science and medicine is often nuanced. While both anecdotal evidence and peer-reviewed research point to GHK-Cu’s strong potential in addressing hair loss, it wasn’t explored for this purpose until the early 2000s—well after finasteride and minoxidil had already received FDA approval and become standard treatments. Since then, GHK-Cu has been largely overlooked by mainstream medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, while FDA-approved hair loss drugs have grown into a $4.7 billion market.
Peptides like GHK-Cu exist in a regulatory gray area. They’re naturally occurring, not foreign to the body, and work by signaling your own body to upregulate specific biological processes. While this makes them remarkably well-tolerated, it also makes them difficult and controversial for mainstream medicine and pharma. They're extremely difficult to patent, far less profitable, and don’t fit neatly into the existing drug development model.
So is GHK-Cu being overlooked because it doesn’t work, or because it doesn’t fit the system? That’s for you to decide.
We believe in pioneering a better solution to hair loss, one that's less disruptive to your body, and one that truly addresses the core biological processes that lead to hair loss.
Is GHK-Cu safe?
Yes, GHK-Cu is considered very safe. Over 70 peer-reviewed studies have investigated its use in tissue repair, anti-aging, and hair growth, with both in vitro and in vivo research confirming its excellent safety profile. It is non-toxic, non-hormonal, and well-tolerated when used topically.
Do you plan to offer other forms of GHK-Cu?
At this time, we're focused on advancing our topical formula by optimizing its absorption through the skin with innovative delivery systems which we are currently testing and creating. While we may explore additional formats like sublingual or subcutaneous in the future, current data strongly supports topical application as the most effective form for addressing hair loss.
