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Peptide Database

Skin & dermatology research

AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3): Research Overview

Copper-binding tripeptide studied in hair follicle and skin research.

Also known as Copper Tripeptide-3 · Ala-His-Lys copper

Research use onlyStrongest evidence: laboratory studyReviewed
DatabaseReferences

What is AHK-Cu?

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.

What is AHK-Cu researched for?

  • 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.
  • Reduces TGF-β1 secretion and oxidative stress (via SOD), both contributing to DHT-induced follicle miniaturization.
  • Activates fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis for improved skin structure and wound healing.
  • Elevates Bcl-2/Bax ratio and reduces caspase-3 activation, protecting cells from programmed death.
  • Promotes collagen and ECM component deposition for tissue renewal and repair.
  • Most users see no visible changes weeks 1-2 as the peptide works at cellular level. Fine vellus hairs may appear in thinning areas by month 1-2. Noticeable improvements in hair density and quality emerge by month 3-4 with continued use. Full results with significant regrowth typically appear by 6-12 months.

How does AHK-Cu work?

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.

References

  1. The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro

    Pyo HK, Yoo HG, Won CH, et al. · Archives of pharmacal research · 2007

    AHK-Cu (10⁻¹² to 10⁻⁹ M) stimulated human hair follicle elongation ex vivo and dermal papilla cell proliferation in vitro. Elevated Bcl-2/Bax ratio and reduced cleaved caspase-3/PARP levels indicate anti-apoptotic mechanism. Also increased VEGF production and decreased TGF-β1 secretion.

    Laboratory study · PMID 17703734

  2. Effects of copper tripeptide on the growth and expression of growth factors by normal and irradiated fibroblasts

    Pollard JD, Quan S, Kang T, et al. · Archives of facial plastic surgery · 2005

    Copper tripeptide (GHK-Cu) accelerates growth of normal and irradiated fibroblasts. Early increase in bFGF and VEGF production by treated fibroblasts; normal and keloid-producing fibroblasts treated with copper tripeptide secreted less TGF-β1.

    PMID 15655171

  3. Human skin penetration of a copper tripeptide in vitro as a function of skin layer

    Hostynek JJ, Dreher F, Maibach HI · Inflammation research : official journal of the European Histamine Research Society ... [et al.] · 2011

    Copper tripeptide permeated through dermatomed skin with coefficient of 2.43 × 10⁻⁴ cm/h. 136.2 μg/cm² copper permeated over 48h while 97 μg/cm² retained as depot, demonstrating therapeutically effective amounts for topical delivery.

    Laboratory study · PMID 20721598

  4. Thermodynamically stable ionic liquid microemulsions pioneer pathways for topical delivery and peptide application

    Liu T, Liu Y, Zhao X, et al. · Bioactive materials · 2024

    Novel delivery system using thermodynamically stable ionic liquid microemulsions to improve topical delivery and stability of copper tripeptides including AHK-Cu.

    PMID 38026438