Also known as: Copper Tripeptide-2, Ala-His-Lys-Cu, AHK Copper Peptide, Copper Tripeptide AHK
AHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys-Copper) is a copper chelating tripeptide related to but distinct from GHK-Cu (Gly-His-Lys-Copper). Where GHK-Cu is the most-studied copper peptide and naturally occurs in human plasma, AHK-Cu is a synthetic structural analog with enhanced copper-chelating affinity.
Lowest price per mg
$0.065/mg$65.00 for 1000mg
at Ion Peptide · · median $0.498/mg
Overview
At A Glance
AHK-Cu delivers bioavailable copper ions to follicular and dermal tissues. Copper acts as a cofactor for lysyl oxidase (collagen/elastin crosslinking), superoxide dismutase (antioxidant), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. The tripeptide backbone penetrates …
Overview
AHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys-Copper) is a copper chelating tripeptide related to but distinct from GHK-Cu (Gly-His-Lys-Copper). Where GHK-Cu is the most-studied copper peptide and naturally occurs in human plasma, AHK-Cu is a synthetic structural analog with enhanced copper-chelating affinity. Both peptides activate hair follicle stem cells and promote keratinocyte proliferation, but AHK-Cu appears to have stronger follicle-stimulating activity in some preclinical comparisons. Research applications center on androgenetic alopecia, scalp vascularity, and wound healing, typically in topical formulations or via mesotherapy injection. AHK-Cu is used in cosmetic compounding for scalp treatments targeting hair miniaturization.
Chemical Information
IUPAC Name
Not yet available
CAS Number
Not yet available
Molecular Formula
Not yet available
Molecular Mass
415.94 g/mol
Amino Acid Sequence
Dosing & Protocols
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Research
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Interactions
Interaction and contraindication data is being compiled for AHK-Cu. Check back soon.
General Safety Note
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before combining research compounds. Interactions may exist that are not yet documented.
$44.99
up to $93.00
$0.0650
2
5
vial, powder
Tracking since Apr 22, 2026 · 5 data points
Price History
2 data pointsVendors Selling AHK-Cu
How we score these vendors
Every supplier above is graded 0 to 100 on COA verification, payment transparency, shipping, reviews, and active listings. Methodology published, no pay-to-rank.
Related Compounds
View AllAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Skin & HairMarketed topical cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 / Argireline). Supported by small human anti-wrinkle studies, including one randomized, placebo-controlled trial; no systemic or injectable clinical development. Not an FDA-approved drug.Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 in older nomenclature, commercially known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide designed as a competitive inhibitor of the SNARE complex at the neuromuscular junction.
Melanotan 2
Skin & HairDiscontinued (early clinical)A synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist studied for skin tanning, sexual function, and appetite suppression..
Minoxidil
Skin & HairFDA-ApprovedMinoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment for pattern hair loss.
PDRN
Skin & HairPhase 4PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a biotechnological compound derived from salmon sperm DNA (Oncorhynchus mykiss) through extraction, purification, and fractionation.
Snap-8
Skin & HairPreclinicalSnap-8 (INCI: Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1) is a synthetic octapeptide designed as an analog of the N-terminal fragment of synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25), which is the molecular target of botulinum toxin A (Botox).
Side-by-Side Comparisons
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Protocols, calculator & safety for AHK-Cu
Research Score
0 PubMed results
Quality Indicators
Data Completeness
63%COA Verification
0
Verified COAs
1
Vendors w/ COA
Latest test: 9/16/2026
Quick Facts
Half-Life
Unknown (topical half-life, follicular retention not well characterized)
Molecular Weight
415.94 g/mol
Administration
Topical, Subcutaneous, Intradermal
Trial Phase
Preclinical
Safety Profile
Common Side Effects
- • Mild scalp irritation at high concentrations (>1%)
- • Temporary skin discoloration with copper accumulation
Research Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AHK-Cu used for in research?
AHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys-Copper) is a copper chelating tripeptide related to but distinct from GHK-Cu (Gly-His-Lys-Copper). Where GHK-Cu is the most-studied copper peptide and naturally occurs in human plasma, AHK-Cu is a synthetic structural analog with enhanced copper-chelating affinity. Both peptides activate hair follicle stem cells and promote keratinocyte proliferation, but AHK-Cu appears to have stronger follicle-stimulating activity in some preclinical comparisons. Research applications center on androgenetic alopecia, scalp vascularity, and wound healing, typically in topical formulations or via mesotherapy injection. AHK-Cu is used in cosmetic compounding for scalp treatments targeting hair miniaturization.
What forms does AHK-Cu come in?
AHK-Cu is available in vial, powder forms.
How do I compare AHK-Cu vendors?
Compare prices, payment methods, shipping, and COA scores across 2 vendors.
How many vendors sell AHK-Cu, and what does it cost per mg?
2 of the vendors BodyHackGuide tracks list AHK-Cu (5 listings). Among BodyHackGuide's AHK-Cu listings recorded as in stock with a milligram count, the lowest price per milligram is $0.065/mg at Ion Peptide and the median is $0.498/mg. The AHK-Cu prices on BodyHackGuide are vendors' listed prices as BodyHackGuide last recorded them, not transactions; the most recent recorded change to a AHK-Cu listing is dated 5 September 2026.
Which vendors have third-party COAs for AHK-Cu on file at BodyHackGuide?
BodyHackGuide holds 9 third-party certificate records for AHK-Cu, from . No editor has read any of BodyHackGuide's 9 certificate records for AHK-Cu. The laboratory named on BodyHackGuide's AHK-Cu certificate records is Freedom Diagnostics Testing, and the newest test date on them is 6 September 2026. Each vendor page on BodyHackGuide shows how many certificate records BodyHackGuide holds for that vendor and links to each record that has its own page.
Research Tools
Related Compounds
View AllAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Skin & HairMarketed topical cosmetic ingredient (INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 / Argireline). Supported by small human anti-wrinkle studies, including one randomized, placebo-controlled trial; no systemic or injectable clinical development. Not an FDA-approved drug.Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (INCI: Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 in older nomenclature, commercially known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide designed as a competitive inhibitor of the SNARE complex at the neuromuscular junction.
Melanotan 2
Skin & HairDiscontinued (early clinical)A synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist studied for skin tanning, sexual function, and appetite suppression..
Minoxidil
Skin & HairFDA-ApprovedMinoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment for pattern hair loss.
PDRN
Skin & HairPhase 4PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a biotechnological compound derived from salmon sperm DNA (Oncorhynchus mykiss) through extraction, purification, and fractionation.
Snap-8
Skin & HairPreclinicalSnap-8 (INCI: Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1) is a synthetic octapeptide designed as an analog of the N-terminal fragment of synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25), which is the molecular target of botulinum toxin A (Botox).
Side-by-Side Comparisons
All ComparisonsCompare AHK-Cu head-to-head: mechanism, half-life, dosing, safety, and vendor prices.
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