PeppiLibrary

Skin & Anti-aging

AHK-Cu peptide reference

Copper-binding tripeptide focused on hair follicle stimulation. Companion to GHK-Cu.

Last reviewed May 6, 2026 FDA-approved FDA approved
Peppi reviewing AHK-Cu notes
Default dose label1 mg
Preferred routeTopical
Frequency label1–2× daily
Storage window30 days mixed

Evidence snapshot

FDA-approved

Evidence maturityFDA approved
Cosmetic ingredient with peer-reviewed dermatology studies for hair growth

FDA-approved cosmetic ingredient

Route map

How records are usually labeled

1 Topical

Apply to thinning areas.

Vial timeline

Storage cues to log

Before mixRefrigerate 2–8 °C; protect from light.
After mixRefrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 30 days; opaque container.
Use-by cue30 days after mixing
Mixed vial window30 days
Use this as a record-keeping cue, not a replacement for product labeling.

Peppi workflow

From vial to review

Vial 50 mg vial
Dose 1 mg
Route Topical
Review 30d storage

Peppi turns scattered dose, vial, route, storage, note, and report details into one record trail.

Educational reference only

This page helps you understand what to track for AHK-Cu. It is not medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation to use this peptide. Discuss dose, route, timing, storage, and safety with a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview

AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide structurally related to GHK-Cu but with alanine in place of glycine. It is researched specifically for hair follicle stimulation and growth — promoting dermal papilla cell proliferation, prolonging the anagen phase, and enhancing hair shaft thickness. Often used topically on the scalp.

Also known as: Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysine copper(II).

Hair regrowth and densityAnagen phase extensionThinning-hair adjunct to minoxidil/finasteride

Mechanism and timing snapshot

Copper-binding tripeptide; stimulates dermal papilla cells, prolongs anagen phase, increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in hair follicles. Distinct from GHK-Cu in selective hair-focused activity.

Onset labelNot listed
Catalog onset field, when available.
Half-life label1 hr
Topical formulation — locally active
Duration label12 hr
Catalog duration field, when available.
topical Moderate (penetrates scalp in formulated bases)

Tracking defaults

These values come from Peppi's catalog so records can be prefilled consistently. They should be reviewed against your clinician's instructions before logging real-world use.

Catalog default dose1 mg
Catalog dose range500 mcg - 3 mg
Default routeTopical
Frequency label1–2× daily
Best time labelAfter shower on clean scalp.
Food noteN/A — topical.

Catalog protocol note

0.05–0.1% concentration topical scalp serum applied AM and/or PM. Visible thickness changes in 12–24 weeks.

Routes and site notes

Available route labelsTopical
Preferred route labelTopical
Common site labelsScalp, Temples
Site rotation noteApply to thinning areas.

Chemistry

SequenceAla-His-Lys (+ Cu²⁺)
Amino acids3
Molecular formulaC15H26N6O4·Cu
Molecular weight417.95 Da

Vial, reconstitution, and storage

Supply formPre-formulated scalp serum or compounded copper-tripeptide solution
Typical vial size50 mg
DiluentBacteriostatic water (compounded)
Diluent volume5 mL
Concentration noteCompounded 50 mg in 5 mL → 0.10 mL = 1 mg topical drop.
Before reconstitutionRefrigerate 2–8 °C; protect from light.
After reconstitutionRefrigerate 2–8 °C, use within 30 days; opaque container.
Reconstituted shelf life30 days
Light sensitiveYes
Freeze/thaw warningYes

Safety notes

Common and rare side effects listed in the catalog

  • Mild scalp tingling or warmth
  • Faint blue/green tint to fabrics from copper
  • Allergic contact dermatitis

Contraindications and warnings

  • Wilson's disease (copper accumulation disorder)

Other considerations

  • Pairs with minoxidil and finasteride in hair-loss research stacks.
  • Effects build over 3–6 months — patience required.
  • Copper content tints pillowcases — apply at night with old linens.

Evidence and regulatory context

Evidence levelCosmetic ingredient with peer-reviewed dermatology studies for hair growth
FDA approvedYes
Regulatory statusFDA-approved cosmetic ingredient
Prescription requiredNo
Approved countriesUS, EU, and most others

Stacking and cycle notes

Stacks well withghk-cu
Avoid combining noteNot listed
Typical cycle labelongoing
Typical break labelNot typically cycled
Cycle guidanceContinuous topical use; effects regress on discontinuation.

Tracking tips

  • Pair with established hair therapies (minoxidil/finasteride) for compounded effect.
  • Effects take 3–6 months to be visible — judge accordingly.
  • Copper content can stain fabric — apply at night on old pillowcases.

References

Track it in Peppi

Keep AHK-Cu records organized.

Use Peppi for dose logs, vial inventory, storage dates, reminders, journal notes, photos, and clinician-ready reports.

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FAQ

What should I track for AHK-Cu?

Track the peptide name, dose amount and unit, route, vial label, timing, reconstitution or expiration dates, storage notes, and any symptoms or questions for clinician review.

Does Peppi tell me how to use AHK-Cu?

No. Peppi organizes educational reference and your own records. Protocol decisions should come from a qualified healthcare professional.

Can I export AHK-Cu records?

Peppi is designed to keep dose logs, vial inventory, journal notes, and reports easier to review and export.

Last reviewed: May 6, 2026