AHK-Cu
Copper tripeptide-3 (AHK-Cu) is a glycine-histidine-lysine copper chelate studied for scalp and skin repair.
Community Rating
No ratings yet
Compound Profile
AHK-Cu
Key Data
Research reference only
Research Focus
Preclinical data
⚠ Research & Educational Use Only. AHK-Cu is a research chemical documented here for scientific education. All information references peer-reviewed literature and preclinical/clinical study data. Not for human consumption. Not medical advice. Consult a licensed researcher or healthcare professional before any laboratory use.
- Stimulates hair follicle proliferation and keratinocyte growth
- Promotes scalp microcirculation
- Enhances wound closure in skin models
- AHK-Cu is not FDA-approved for human use. It is a research chemical for scientific study only.
Research At a Glance
- Stimulates hair follicle proliferation and keratinocyte growth
- Promotes scalp microcirculation
- Enhances wound closure in skin models
- Reduces inflammatory cytokines in dermal cells
In Plain English
Simple summaryAHK-Cu (Palmitoyl Ala-His-Lys, or the copper complex of palmitoyl tripeptide-3) is a cosmetic copper peptide designed as an alternative to GHK-Cu for skin regeneration applications. It mimics sequences found in laminin, the structural protein that anchors skin cells to the basement membrane and plays a central role in skin wound healing and hair follicle support. Like GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu interacts with copper to activate metalloproteinase regulation and promote extracellular matrix remodeling. Some formulators and researchers prefer AHK-Cu over GHK-Cu because it may have preferential effects on follicular cells and hair growth support, making it relevant for both skin anti-aging and scalp/hair applications.
- Stimulates hair follicle proliferation and keratinocyte growth
- Promotes scalp microcirculation
- Enhances wound closure in skin models
The full scientific detail, mechanisms, citations, and dosing data, follows below.
What is AHK-Cu?
Tap any underlined term for an instant definition.
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) is a synthetic copper chelate peptide with the sequence Ala-His-Lys, coordinated with a copper (II) ion. It is structurally related to GHK-Cu but has distinct receptor binding characteristics and is particularly associated with hair follicle biology research.
What It Is
- A copper chelate of the tripeptide Ala-His-Lys (AHK)
- Structurally distinct from GHK-Cu; the alanine N-terminus gives different tissue affinity
- Found in hair follicle extracts and proposed to be a natural signal peptide for follicle regeneration
- Used primarily in topical scalp and skin formulations at 0.1-2%
How It Works
- Binds copper transporters on keratinocytes and dermal papilla cells
- Stimulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in scalp tissue, promoting follicle microcirculation
- Activates stem cell factor (SCF) signaling in hair follicle dermal papilla cells
- Promotes keratinocyte migration and proliferation in wound models
- Example: In hair follicle organ culture, AHK-Cu at 1 mcg/mL extended anagen (growth) phase by 25% vs vehicle
Key Research Findings
- Hair follicle elongation: In isolated human hair follicle organ cultures, AHK-Cu significantly prolonged anagen duration at concentrations of 1-10 mcg/mL
- Keratinocyte proliferation: AHK-Cu at 5 mcg/mL increased BrdU incorporation in primary human keratinocytes by 35% vs vehicle in 48-hour cultures
- Collagen synthesis: Fibroblast collagen production increased 22% at 1 mcg/mL AHK-Cu vs controls in aged fibroblast cultures
- Anti-inflammatory: IL-6 and IL-8 secretion from UV-irradiated keratinocytes was reduced 28-40% by AHK-Cu pretreatment
Dosing From the Literature
- Topical: 0.1-2% in serum or cream formulations
- Applied once or twice daily to scalp or target skin area
- No established systemic dosing; designed exclusively for topical use
Storage and Handling
- Lyophilised: 2-8 degrees C; stable 24 months
- In formulation: stable at pH 4-6; avoid alkaline conditions above pH 7
- Protect from direct UV light; copper ions may catalyze oxidation in formula
By the Numbers
Key Research Benefits
Documented effects observed in preclinical and clinical studies on AHK-Cu. See all Skin & Anti-Aging peptides for comparison.
Side Effects & Risks
Adverse effects reported in the research literature. All data sourced from preclinical and clinical study reports. View all peptides' side effects →
Dosing Data from the Literature
Doses referenced below are sourced from published preclinical and clinical studies. Use the peptide dose calculator to convert these values to injection volume.
Administration in Research Settings
Standard reconstitution and administration methodology for laboratory research use.
Applied topically to the scalp or skin in serum, lotion, or cream formulations.
What the research doesn't show
AHK-Cu has less independent published research than GHK-Cu and much of its evidence base comes from cosmetic ingredient suppliers. The mechanism is plausible and consistent with copper peptide biology, but direct comparative data between AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu is very limited. Anyone selecting between them is largely making a formulation and availability decision rather than an evidence-based efficacy decision.
Medical Expert Videos
Physicians, researchers, and pharmacologists explain AHK-Cu, covering mechanisms of action, clinical context, and study findings.
Videos sourced from YouTube search. KnowYourPeptide does not endorse any individual creator. For research education only.
The Bottom Line
AHK-Cu has a growing body of preclinical evidence and a well-characterised safety profile in research settings. The most-studied application is: stimulates hair follicle proliferation and keratinocyte growth.
The most commonly reported side effect in research subjects is well tolerated in topical use. It is a research chemical, not approved for human use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Further
Quick Reference
How It Compares
GHK-Cu is the more extensively studied copper peptide with decades of published research. AHK-Cu is newer and has less independent data. Pal-GHK (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1) and GHK-Cu cover overlapping skin anti-aging territory. For scalp applications, AHK-Cu's laminin-derived sequence and potential follicular affinity makes it an interesting alternative for hair loss formulations, though the evidence base is thinner.
Compare AHK-Cu side-by-sideResearch Use Only
This information is for educational research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.