AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide AHK)

Cosmetic-Grade

AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper-binding tripeptide composed of Alanine-Histidine-Lysine complexed with a copper(II) ion. It was identified through screening programs aimed at discovering peptides that stimulate hair growth by acting on dermal papilla cells — the specialized mesenchymal cells at the base of the hair follicle that control the hair growth cycle. AHK-Cu has demonstrated the ability to increase dermal papilla cell proliferation, upregulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in follicular tissue, and enlarge miniaturized follicles in ex vivo human scalp models. Unlike its more famous cousin GHK-Cu, which has broad tissue-remodeling activity across thousands of genes, AHK-Cu appears more specifically tuned for hair biology. In comparative studies, AHK-Cu has shown stronger stimulation of dermal papilla cell proliferation and greater VEGF upregulation than GHK-Cu at equivalent concentrations. The peptide works through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, a critical regulator of hair follicle cycling and anagen (growth phase) initiation. AHK-Cu is primarily formulated into topical hair growth serums, scalp treatments, and leave-in conditioners. It is also being explored in combination with minoxidil and other hair growth agents for synergistic effects. The copper(II) complex is essential for biological activity — the apo-peptide (without copper) shows markedly reduced efficacy in cell proliferation assays.