AHK-Cu
Copper tripeptide-3 (AHK-Cu) is a glycine-histidine-lysine copper chelate studied for scalp and skin repair.
⚠ 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
What is AHK-Cu?
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
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.
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.
Explore Further
Quick Reference
Research Use Only
This information is for educational research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.