AHK-Cu
Also Known As: Copper Tripeptide-3, AHK-CU, AHK copper, Ala-His-Lys copper complex, AHK Cu, Copper peptide AHK, Follicle copper peptide, Hair growth copper tripeptide, Dermal copper AHK, AHK-Cu tripeptide, GHK-Cu analog hair, Alanine-Histidine-Lysine copper
AHK-Cu is a research-grade Copper-binding tripeptide targeting Copper delivery to follicle studied in Skin, Hair & Cosmetics research. It is supplied strictly for in vitro laboratory research use only - not for human or animal consumption, and not FDA-approved.
Evidence Tier: Cosmetic - Recognized topical cosmetic active, not a drug.
A copper hair-follicle peptide, a cousin of GHK-Cu; mostly cell and animal evidence.
At A Glance
| Category | Skin, Hair & Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| Compound Class | Copper-binding tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys + Cu2+); GHK-Cu analog with hair-follicle specificity |
| Molecular Target | Copper delivery to follicle; FGF-7 (KGF) and VEGF upregulation; collagen synthesis; SOD-like antioxidant activity |
| Molecular Weight | 415.93 Da |
| Amino Acid Sequence | Ala-His-Lys + Cu(II) |
| CAS Number | 767286-83-9 (AHK-Cu, copper tripeptide-3); 682809-81-0 (hydrochloride form) |
| Half-Life | ~5-10 minutes |
| WADA Status | not_listed |
| Evidence Tier | Cosmetic |
Mechanism Of Action
It works by sending a chemical message to the tiny cells at the root of your hair, telling them to stay alive longer, grow faster, and build stronger blood vessels around the hair root.
Studied For
- Hair follicle growth / restoration
- Alopecia models
- Androgenetic alopecia research
- Dermal regeneration
- Skin anti-aging
- Collagen and elastin synthesis
- Scalp health
- Hair density improvement
- Follicle miniaturization reversal
- Wound healing
- Angiogenesis for follicle support
- Bone density (copper-mediated collagen)
- Skin barrier restoration
- Anti-inflammatory scalp research
Reported Research Findings
In vitro and animal follicle studies show proliferation, anti-apoptosis, and growth-phase prolongation. Human clinical evidence is limited and cosmetic; preliminary.
Safety And Handling Notes
Topically tolerated; possible irritation; copper-overload theoretical; vendor identity and CAS vary.
Recognized as a cosmetic ingredient; same complex-stability caveat as GHK-Cu. Identity resolved 2026-08-04: AHK-Cu is CAS 767286-83-9, 415.93 Da (C15H24CuN6O4); the hydrochloride form is CAS 682809-81-0, 452.40 Da; free AHK tripeptide is 354.41 Da. Confirm which form a certificate of analysis describes, since copper content differs between them.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient; non-cosmetic forms are research chemical.
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