GHK-Cu vs AHK-Cu: Research Comparison
A Side-By-Side Research Comparison Of GHK-Cu And AHK-Cu - two copper research peptides studied for skin and hair. This Reference Compares Mechanism, Evidence Tier, Molecular Identity, And Pharmacokinetics For Qualified Researchers. For In Vitro Laboratory Research Use Only. Not Medical Advice Or Dosing Guidance.
Side-By-Side Comparison
| GHK-Cu | AHK-Cu | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Skin, Hair & Cosmetics | Skin, Hair & Cosmetics |
| Compound Class | Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys + Cu2+) | Copper-binding tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys + Cu2+); GHK-Cu analog with hair-follicle specificity |
| Evidence Tier | Cosmetic | Cosmetic |
| Molecular Target | Extracellular matrix remodeling via MMP/TIMP balance; TGF-beta modulation; antioxidant enzyme (SOD, catalase) upregulation; VEGF and FGF stimulation | Copper delivery to follicle; FGF-7 (KGF) and VEGF upregulation; collagen synthesis; SOD-like antioxidant activity |
| Molecular Weight | 340.85 Da | 379.92 Da |
| Amino Acid Sequence | Gly-His-Lys + Cu(II) | Ala-His-Lys + Cu(II) |
| CAS Number | 49557-75-7 (GHK-Cu complex) | No single registry CAS (AHK + Cu(II) complex; confirm per certificate of analysis) |
| Half-Life | ~5-10 minutes | ~5-10 minutes |
| Studied For | Wound healing, Skin anti-aging, Hair loss research, Antioxidant / anti-inflammatory | Hair follicle growth / restoration, Alopecia models, Androgenetic alopecia research, Dermal regeneration |
About GHK-Cu
A copper skin-repair peptide with real topical cosmetic evidence.
Read The Full GHK-Cu MonographAbout AHK-Cu
A copper hair-follicle peptide, a cousin of GHK-Cu; mostly cell and animal evidence.
Read The Full AHK-Cu MonographKey Differences
- Primary molecular target differs: GHK-Cu acts on Extracellular matrix remodeling via MMP/TIMP balance; TGF-beta modulation; antioxidant enzyme (SOD, catalase) upregulation; VEGF and FGF stimulation; AHK-Cu acts on Copper delivery to follicle; FGF-7 (KGF) and VEGF upregulation; collagen synthesis; SOD-like antioxidant activity.
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This Comparison Is Provided For In Vitro Laboratory Research Use Only. Not For Human Consumption, Diagnosis, Or Treatment. See The Full Research Disclaimer.