Research Comparison
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
A side-by-side research comparison of AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) and SS-31 (Elamipretide) 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.
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a small aromatic-cationic tetrapeptide that localises to the inner mitochondrial membrane. Rather than scavenging reactive oxygen species diffusely as conventional antioxidants do, it binds cardiolipin — a phospholipid required for the structural integrity of the electron transport chain — and the published literature describes this targeted interaction in the context of mitochondrial function. SS-31 is not an approved medicine in the United Kingdom. Supplied strictly as a research compound for laboratory use.