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GHK-Cu vs Semax: side-by-side comparison

Peptide

Copper Peptide · GHK-Copper · Copper Tripeptide-1

A natural copper complex that rejuvenates skin and hair follicles. Found naturally in human plasma, GHK-Cu levels decline with age, and supplementation may restore youthful tissue function.

1.0/10 natty
Full breakdown →
VS
Peptide

ACTH(4-7)-PGP · N-Acetyl Semax · NASA (N-Acetyl Semax Amidate)

A synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from ACTH(4-10) with a Pro-Gly-Pro tail for stability. Primary nootropic with cognitive enhancement, focus, and neuroprotection. Significantly upregulates BDNF (1.4x protein, up to 3x mRNA per Dolotov et al. 2006) and modulates NGF expression. Unlike full ACTH, it lacks steroidogenic (adrenal) and melanocyte-stimulating activity, so it does not produce cortisol/HPA stimulation or tanning; some more recent reviews suggest it may still interact with central MC4/MC5 melanocortin receptors, so "no melanocortin activity at all" overstates current evidence. Available as standard Semax, N-Acetyl Semax, and NASA (Amidate) - each progressively more stable.

1.0/10 natty
Full breakdown →

1 / 10 natty scale / 1

Same lane

Both sit in the same class, but they are pointed at different goals: GHK-Cu at cosmetic, recovery, longevity, Semax at health.

The tape

Core ratings

The same three rulers every entry on the site is scored with, read head to head.

GHK-CuSemax
1.0

Natty scale

1 natural · 10 heavy

1.0
4.5

Effectiveness

Documented effect · of 5Δ1

3.5
1.0

Side-effect severity

Documented burden · of 5Δ0.5

1.5

Cost side

Body-load fingerprint

Where each one actually lands its strain, on the calculator's thirteen channels. Tap a row for what it means and which labs track it.

GHK-CuSemax

Systemic

Injection & site care

Bars show strain at each one's typical protocol, not your dose. ≈ marks values inferred from side-effect data or category rather than hand-graded. For your numbers, run the calculator.

Logistics

The vitals

GHK-CuSemax
Peptide
Classmatch
Peptide
Subcutaneous
Route
Nasal Spray
0.5-2 mg/dayOnce-daily subcutaneous injection (community/practitioner protocols); topical 0.5-3% cream/serum applied 1-2x/day for localized skin or hair use
Typical dose
200-900 mcg/dayIntranasal 1-3x daily divided doses. Morning/early afternoon to avoid sleep disruption.
Not established
Half-life
~2-8 minutes
4-8 weeks
Typical run
2-4 weeks
Research chemical
Legal statusmatch
Research chemical
Unclear
WADAmatch
UnclearS2. Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics (potential overlap with S2.4 Corticotrophins)

Benefit side

What each is for

Shared goals carry both dots; a goal with one dot belongs to that side alone.

GHK-CuSemax
CosmeticRecoveryLongevityHealth

Run for

Skin RejuvenationImproves skin elasticity, thickness, and reduces wrinkles.
Hair GrowthStimulates hair follicles and may reverse hair thinning.
Wound HealingAccelerates healing of wounds and tissue repair.

Documented upside

  • Improved skin elasticity and thickness
  • Reduced wrinkles and fine lines
  • Stimulated hair growth
  • Enhanced wound healing
  • Increased collagen production
+1 more on the full page

Run for

Cognitive EnhancementImproves spatial and working memory, learning acquisition/retention, sustained attention, mental clarity. BDNF-mediated neuroplasticity effects.
NeuroprotectionDecreases cortical infarction volume and improves post-ischemic learning/memory retention in rodent stroke models (Romanova et al. 2006); protects against glutamate excitotoxicity. Underlies its Russian clinical approval for stroke and cognitive disorders.
Focus and Mental EnergyMild stimulant profile via dopamine modulation. Enhanced motivation and drive. Does not cause jitteriness like traditional stimulants.
Training SupportMaintains mental clarity during caloric deficit. May enhance mind-muscle connection (anecdotal). Supports motor learning and skill acquisition.

Documented upside

  • Upregulates BDNF (1.4x protein, up to 3x mRNA) and modulates NGF expression
  • Improved memory, learning, and attention
  • Neuroprotective effects demonstrated in stroke models
  • Lacks the steroidogenic/melanocyte-stimulating activity of full ACTH (no tanning, no cortisol/HPA stimulation)
  • Russian clinical approval with human study data
+3 more on the full page

The downsides

Side effects, aligned

Each entry's documented side effects, sorted onto the same body systems so the gaps and the overlaps are visible. Tap any effect for the detail.

GHK-CuSemax

None documented

Mood, sleep & CNS
Injection site

None documented

Other documented effects

The exit

Hormonal fallout & recovery

What each does to your own hormone axis while on, and what leaving it costs.

GHK-CuSemax
Not required
PCT
Not required
Support role
What sticks
While-on only

GHK-Cu

Does not affect hormones. No PCT required.

Semax

Does not affect HPT axis. No HPA axis suppression documented. No PCT required. No interference with hormone panels.

Read-out

How they separate

  1. 01

    Enhancement

    They land at almost the same point on the natty scale (1/10 vs 1/10): a similar distance beyond natural.

  2. 02

    Side-effect bill

    Semax's documented side-effect severity is heavier (1.5/5 vs 1/5). The body-load fingerprint above shows where that weight actually lands.

  3. 03

    Body load

    The widest gap at typical protocols is mood & sleep (Semax 2.2/10 vs 0/10).

  4. 04

    Coming off

    Neither requires PCT: both leave the natural testosterone axis running.

  5. 05

    Logistics

    GHK-Cu runs as subcutaneous, Semax as nasal spray; typical runs are 4-8 weeks vs 2-4 weeks.

Generated from each entry's data file. Descriptive, not a recommendation; nothing here is medical advice.

Full breakdownGHK-Cu→Full breakdownSemax→

More matchups

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