AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide)
A copper-binding tripeptide (alanine-histidine-lysine) complexed with copper, marketed in topical cosmetic serums for hair growth and skin conditioning. Related to the better-known GHK-Cu but with far thinner published evidence; most claims rest on in-vitro work and manufacturer data.
01 Overview
AHK-Cu is used almost exclusively as a topical cosmetic ingredient, promoted for stimulating dermal papilla cells and hair follicle activity. Copper-peptide complexes deliver copper to tissue and have been studied for wound and hair applications, but AHK-Cu specifically has minimal peer-reviewed human data.
In practice it appears in leave-on serums at low concentration. Reported effects are cosmetic and modest; systemic exposure from topical use is low, and the main practical cautions are local irritation and staining of formulations.
02 Mechanism
Copper-peptide complex thought to stimulate dermal papilla cell proliferation and vascularisation, and to act as a copper delivery vehicle for enzymes involved in tissue remodelling.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topical serum | 1–5 mg/mL | Transdermal | Typical cosmetic serum concentration; applied to scalp or skin. No standardised medical dose exists. |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promotion of hair follicle activityCell-culture work suggests stimulation of dermal papilla cells; human hair-growth evidence is anecdotal. | In-vitro follicle-cell proliferation | Preclinical | |
| Skin conditioningMarketed for improved skin appearance and texture, based mostly on manufacturer and user reports. | Cosmetic | Anecdotal |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local skin irritationRedness or itching at the application site in sensitive individuals. | Mild | Uncommon | Anecdotal | |
| Contact sensitisation to copperTheoretical allergic contact dermatitis in copper-sensitive users. | Mild | Rare | Unconfirmed |