Head to head
GHK-Cu against AHK-Cu
Two copper tripeptides, one with human topical skin data and one marketed as its hair growth cousin on in vitro stimulation of follicle cells with no human trial. Same metal, same format, different evidence.
Column A
GHK-CuCopper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide widely used in skincare and studied for wound healing and skin remodeling.
Column B
AHK-CuAHK-Cu (alanine-histidine-lysine copper)
A copper tripeptide marketed as the hair-growth cousin of GHK-Cu; in-vitro stimulation of hair follicle cells only, with no human trial.
Side by side, on the facts we can check
| Attribute | GHK-Cu | AHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Healing & Recovery | Cosmetic |
| FDA status | Not an approved drug; permitted as a cosmetic ingredient | Cosmetic ingredient; not a drug |
| Half-life | Short (topical use) | Not established (topical) |
| Molecular weight | 340.38 Da (free peptide); 402.92 Da (the copper complex, PubChem CID 71587328) | 354.4 Da for the AHK tripeptide; PubChem lists the AHK-Cu chloride complex at 451.4 Da |
| Mechanism | Delivers copper and modulates genes involved in tissue remodeling, stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and supporting wound repair. | Copper-peptide stimulation of dermal papilla cell proliferation and VEGF expression (in vitro). |
| Human studies cited | 0 | 0 |
| Legal status, US | Permitted in cosmetics; not an approved drug | Sold as a dietary supplement |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu: A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide widely used in skincare and studied for wound healing and skin remodeling. AHK-Cu: A copper tripeptide marketed as the hair-growth cousin of GHK-Cu; in-vitro stimulation of hair follicle cells only, with no human trial.
Which has stronger research evidence, GHK-Cu or AHK-Cu?
This database does not grade compounds. It counts what was run in people: 0 of the 3 studies cited on the GHK-Cu profile were human work, against 0 of 2 for AHK-Cu. Those counts are of our own citation lists and understate any larger literature, and neither is a recommendation.
Are GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu FDA-approved?
GHK-Cu: Not an approved drug; permitted as a cosmetic ingredient. AHK-Cu: Cosmetic ingredient; not a drug.
Related posts
Blog articles that cover GHK-Cu or AHK-Cu, newest first.
- Longevity / Sep 8, 2026 / 12 minPeptides for Longevity: What the Evidence Actually Shows in 2026
- Healing & Recovery / Sep 8, 2026 / 9 minPeptides for Joint Pain: BPC-157, TB-500, Lorecivivint, Pentosan and Collagen Peptides, Evidence Tiered
- Research / Sep 8, 2026 / 9 minPeptides for Hair Growth: GHK-Cu, PTD-DBM and the PP405 Phase 2a Results
- Safety / Sep 8, 2026 / 9 minPeptide Side Effects by Class: What Is Documented, What Is Anecdotal
Reviewed Sep 2026. This page sets two published records side by side. It is educational, it is not medical advice, and it contains no dosing protocols or recommendations for personal use.