AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3)
Hair Growth Copper Peptide · Dermal Papilla Stimulator
Overview
Synthetic copper-binding tripeptide targeting dermal papilla cells and hair follicles. Stimulates hair follicle elongation, promotes cell proliferation, increases VEGF production, and inhibits TGF-β1. Supports skin regeneration through fibroblast activation and collagen synthesis.
AHK-Cu penetrates scalp delivering copper directly to dermal papilla cells. Activates proliferation pathways, elevates Bcl-2/Bax ratio (anti-apoptotic), increases VEGF for blood flow, reduces TGF-β1, and promotes SOD production for oxidative stress reduction.
Ex vivo studies demonstrate AHK-Cu stimulates human hair follicle elongation at concentrations as low as 10⁻¹² M, promoting longer anagen phase.
Increases proliferation of dermal papilla cells, the key regulatory cells for hair follicle cycling and hair growth.
Boosts vascular endothelial growth factor production, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to hair follicles.
Mechanism
Synthetic copper-binding tripeptide targeting dermal papilla cells and hair follicles. Stimulates hair follicle elongation, promotes cell proliferation, increases VEGF production, and inhibits TGF-β1. Supports skin regeneration through fibroblast activation and collagen synthesis.
AHK-Cu penetrates scalp delivering copper directly to dermal papilla cells. Activates proliferation pathways, elevates Bcl-2/Bax ratio (anti-apoptotic), increases VEGF for blood flow, reduces TGF-β1, and promotes SOD production for oxidative stress reduction.
Ex vivo studies demonstrate AHK-Cu stimulates human hair follicle elongation at concentrations as low as 10⁻¹² M, promoting longer anagen phase.
Research areas
- Synthetic copper-binding tripeptide targeting dermal papilla cells and hair follicles. Stimulates hair follicle elongation, promotes cell proliferation, increases VEGF production, and inhibits TGF-β1. Supports skin regeneration through fibroblast activation and collagen synthesis.
- AHK-Cu penetrates scalp delivering copper directly to dermal papilla cells. Activates proliferation pathways, elevates Bcl-2/Bax ratio (anti-apoptotic), increases VEGF for blood flow, reduces TGF-β1, and promotes SOD production for oxidative stress reduction.
- Ex vivo studies demonstrate AHK-Cu stimulates human hair follicle elongation at concentrations as low as 10⁻¹² M, promoting longer anagen phase.
- Increases proliferation of dermal papilla cells, the key regulatory cells for hair follicle cycling and hair growth.
- Boosts vascular endothelial growth factor production, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery to hair follicles.
Research notes
- Generally well-tolerated with excellent safety profile in topical applications
- Rare scalp irritation (patch test recommended)
- Potential for mild redness on sensitive skin
- Persistent scalp irritation, itching, or burning
- Allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling
References
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17703734/
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20721598/
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38026438/
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15655171/
Questions
Can I use AHK-Cu with vitamin C or other actives in my skincare routine?
No. Low pH ascorbic acid destabilizes the copper peptide complex. Use vitamin C at different times (morning vs evening). Similarly, acidic AHA/BHA exfoliants can destabilize AHK-Cu, as can retinol/retinoids which are potent actives that may cause irritation. Space these products by several hours.
Can I take copper supplements while using AHK-Cu topically?
No. AHK-Cu is complexed copper delivered topically, and additional copper supplementation creates toxicity risk. Monitor total copper intake from all sources including multivitamins. Topical application has minimal systemic absorption, but combining with oral copper supplementation is unnecessary and potentially…