§ 01 Overview
Overview
Copper tripeptide used topically to stimulate hair follicle activity and improve follicle vascularization.
Limited controlled human trials; used in cosmetic formulations.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide that stimulates dermal papilla cells and enhances VEGF expression around hair follicles, promoting growth-phase activity.
- 01Support for hair density and growth phase
- 02Used in topical hair growth formulations
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Dose Range
- Formulation-dependent (typical 0.5 – 2% topical)
- Route
- Topical
- Frequency
- Daily
- Cycle
- 12+ weeks to observe effect
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
Limited controlled human trials; used in cosmetic formulations.
FDA Status
Cosmetic ingredient; not a drug.
§ 05 Stacks
Common stacks
§ 06 News
In the news
5 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly
TheraCopper launches copper peptide skin and hair care collection - Chain Drug Review
TheraCopper launches copper peptide skin and hair care collection Chain Drug Review
Alchemy 21/12 Announces Patent-Pending AHK-Cu Scalp Technology - Lohud
Alchemy 21/12 Announces Patent-Pending AHK-Cu Scalp Technology Lohud
PLU Laboratories, Maker of GHK-Cu Face and Hair Tonics, Announces Mission to Become the Most Transparent Cosmetics Company in the World - USA Today
PLU Laboratories, Maker of GHK-Cu Face and Hair Tonics, Announces Mission to Become the Most Transparent Cosmetics Company in the World USA Today
Two Ingredients. Real Hair Transformations. How Neurogan Health's GHK-Cu Serum Is Changing What Customers Expect From Hair Care - PR Newswire
Two Ingredients. Real Hair Transformations. How Neurogan Health's GHK-Cu Serum Is Changing What Customers Expect From Hair Care PR Newswire
Neurogan Health Introduces AHK-CU + GHK-CU Hair Serum Pro - PR Newswire
Neurogan Health Introduces AHK-CU + GHK-CU Hair Serum Pro PR Newswire
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
Available as dietary supplement
Sold as a dietary supplement. Quality varies widely by brand; prefer GRAS-designated products with third-party testing (e.g. Mitopure for Urolithin A).
No suppliers in our directory currently stock this compound. For investigational or research-only compounds, legitimate channels may not exist outside clinical trials.
Browse full supplier directory§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Rare contact irritation
Contraindications
None specified.
§ 10 Questions
AHK-Cu FAQ
- What is AHK-Cu?
- Copper tripeptide used topically to stimulate hair follicle activity and improve follicle vascularization. AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide that stimulates dermal papilla cells and enhances VEGF expression around hair follicles, promoting growth-phase activity.
- What is AHK-Cu used for?
- Reported uses include support for hair density and growth phase and used in topical hair growth formulations. Evidence strength is rated Preclinical — see the evidence section for detail.
- How is AHK-Cu dosed?
- Commonly referenced dosing is Formulation-dependent ( 0.5 – 2% topical), typically daily, administered Topical. This is educational reference only; consult a licensed clinician before use.
- What are the side effects of AHK-Cu?
- Commonly reported side effects include rare contact irritation. This list is not exhaustive.
- Is AHK-Cu legal?
- Sold as a dietary supplement. Quality varies widely by brand; prefer GRAS-designated products with third-party testing (e.g. Mitopure for Urolithin A). FDA status: Cosmetic ingredient; not a drug..