PeptideCompareAHK-Cu — EU research guide.
AHK-Cu (Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysine copper complex) is a copper-binding tripeptide studied for hair growth stimulation and dermal repair, structurally related to GHK-Cu but with distinct receptor interactions.
What is AHK-Cu?
AHK-Cu is a tripeptide that chelates copper(II) to form a stable complex. Like GHK-Cu it activates copper-dependent enzymes involved in collagen synthesis and tissue remodelling, but its distinct amino acid sequence gives it preferential activity in hair follicle research. It is used in cosmetic research to study anagen phase prolongation.
What does the research show?
In vitro and animal studies suggest AHK-Cu stimulates hair follicle cell proliferation and extends the anagen (growth) phase. Some comparative studies indicate stronger hair-specific activity than GHK-Cu. Dermal wound healing and collagen upregulation are also documented in preclinical models. No clinical trials published as of mid-2026.
EU legal status
AHK-Cu is used in both cosmetic formulations (where it is a legal cosmetic ingredient under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009) and as a research compound. Injectable research-grade AHK-Cu is sold for laboratory use only.
Molecular information
Pharmacokinetics
Potency retained over time
Each line is one storage condition: it starts at 100% and falls as potency is lost. Above the dashed 80% line the material is considered reliable — hover for exact values.
⚠ A structural estimate, derived from each compound's sequence length, cyclisation and oxidation-, deamidation- and light-sensitive residues. Indicative only — not lab-measured per batch.
AHK-Cu across EU suppliers
COA-verified EU vendors · Updated monthly