Library / Peptides / Skin & Hair / AHK-Cu
Theoretical · Grade C

AHK-Cu

AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper Peptide)
Evidence
Theoretical
Route
Topical
Frequency
Once or twice daily
Category
Skin & Hair
TL;DR
AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys-Cu) structurally related to GHK-Cu, the well-studied copper peptide. It has been investigated for its ability to stimulate hair follicle growth, promote collagen synthesis, and support wound healing.
Part 01 · How it works

Mechanism.

AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys-Cu) structurally related to GHK-Cu, the well-studied copper peptide. It has been investigated for its ability to stimulate hair follicle growth, promote collagen synthesis, and support wound healing. Research is primarily in vitro and in cosmetic science contexts.

Think of AHK-Cu as a delivery truck that brings copper — a key building material — directly to your skin and hair follicle construction sites, helping workers (cells) build stronger structures and grow faster.

Mechanism · technical
AHK-Cu delivers bioavailable copper to tissues, where it modulates extracellular matrix remodeling enzymes including lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase. The peptide-copper complex stimulates dermal papilla cells, promoting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and increasing hair follicle proliferation. It also upregulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts.
Part 02 · Dosing & administration

How it's taken.

Values below describe how AHK-Cu has been administered in published trials and labeling. Provided for educational purposes only — this is not medical advice and not instructions for self-administration. Consult your healthcare provider before making any health decision.

Standard dose
1-2 mg/mL topical solution
Topical · Once or twice daily
Duration
Ongoing for cosmetic use

Primarily used in topical cosmeceutical formulations. No established injection protocol. Research compound with limited clinical data.

Need help with reconstitution?

Use the free peptide calculator for dilution, unit conversion, and injection volume.

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Part 03 · Safety

Side effects, rare serious events, who shouldn't.

Reported side effects
Generally well-tolerated topically. Potential for local irritation or contact sensitivity. Excessive copper supplementation could theoretically cause oxidative stress, though topical peptide delivery provides minimal systemic copper.
Absolute · do not use
×
Known hypersensitivity to copper peptides or any component
×
Wilson's disease or copper metabolism disorders
×
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
×
Children under 18
Interactions
Topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene)
Combined use may increase skin irritation; stagger application times
Minor
Copper chelators (penicillamine, trientine)
May reduce efficacy of copper peptide by chelating copper
Moderate
Topical acids (AHA, BHA)
May degrade peptide at low pH; separate application times recommended
Minor
Labs to monitor
Serum Copper
Baseline and every 3 months
Monitor copper levels with copper peptide use
Ceruloplasmin
Baseline and every 3 months
Assess copper binding protein status
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
Baseline and every 3 months
Liver function monitoring
Zinc Level
Baseline and every 3 months
Copper supplementation can affect zinc balance
Part 04 · Research log

Every study we cite.

Each study with its published finding and a plain-language note on limitations or funding.

01
2007
0
Tripeptide-copper complex stimulates hair growth in vitro
AHK-Cu promoted proliferation of dermal papilla cells and hair growth
In vitro study; cosmetic industry funding
02
2015
0
Copper peptides in dermatology
Copper peptides including AHK-Cu demonstrated collagen-stimulating and wound healing properties
Review article summarizing preclinical evidence
Part 05 · Cost & access

Where you can get it.

Regulatory status
Not FDA-approved as a drug. Available as a cosmetic ingredient and in some compounding pharmacy formulations. Classified as a cosmetic peptide, not a regulated pharmaceutical.
The Peptide Column takes no affiliate commission from any source.
Part 06 · Your appointment

Questions to bring.

01
How does AHK-Cu compare to GHK-Cu for my specific skin or hair concern?
02
Is topical or injectable AHK-Cu more appropriate for my situation?
03
Are there any interactions between copper peptides and other treatments I'm using?
04
What concentration and formulation has the most evidence behind it?