Research Comparison
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) vs GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)
A side-by-side research comparison of AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) and GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) drawn from Cobalt Peptides' peptide database records.
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3)
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) is a synthetic copper-binding tripeptide composed of alanine, histidine, and lysine complexed with a divalent copper ion (Cu²⁺). It is structurally analogous to GHK-Cu, differing by a single amino acid substitution at the N-terminus, which contributes to its more targeted activity in dermal papilla cells and hair follicles. The compound is primarily investigated for its role in hair growth and skin regeneration. It has demonstrated the ability to stimulate follicular activity, enhance vascular signaling, and modulate pathways associated with hair miniaturization. In addition to hair-focused applications, AHK-Cu supports fibroblast activation and collagen synthesis, contributing to improved skin structure and repair.
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with Cu²⁺) found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Its endogenous levels decline significantly with age, correlating with reduced regenerative capacity and tissue repair. The peptide has been extensively studied for its role in skin regeneration, wound healing, and anti-aging. It influences a large proportion of human genes involved in repair, inflammation, and extracellular matrix remodeling, making it one of the most well-characterized regenerative peptides in dermatological and tissue repair research.