AHK Cu (Copper Peptide AHK)

1、 Product basic file

Chinese name: AHK Cu/Propionine Histamine Lysine Copper

English name: AHK Cu/Alanine Hastings Lysine Copper

CAS number: 682809-81-0

Molecular formula: C ₁₅ H ₂₄ ClCuN ₆ O ₄

Molecular weight: 451.39 g/mol

Amino acid sequence: Ala His Lys Cu ² ⁺ (copper complex of alanine histidine lysine)

Appearance: Blue powder (cobalt blue, similar in color to GHK Cu)

Solubility: Water soluble, easily soluble in water

Storage conditions: Sealed and away from light, refrigerated at 2 ℃~8 ℃, long-term storage recommended -20 ℃ frozen

Purity: ≥ 98% (HPLC)

2、 Core efficacy and mechanism of action

AHK Cu is an analog of GHK Cu (blue copper peptide), formed by the complexation of tripeptide AHK (Ala His Lys) with copper ions (Cu ² ⁺). Unlike GHK Cu, which focuses on skin repair, AHK Cu's core advantage lies in promoting hair growth and is currently the most prominent member of the copper peptide family in terms of hair growth efficacy.

Strong promotion of hair growth (core efficacy): In vitro experiments have shown that AHK Cu can significantly stimulate the elongation of human hair follicles and promote the proliferation of dermal papilla cells. The dermal papilla cells are key fibroblasts involved in the morphogenesis and growth regulation of hair follicles. Their active proliferation means that the Anagen phase of hair follicle growth is prolonged, making hair thicker and less prone to shedding.

Skin repair and anti-aging: As an analog of GHK, AHK Cu also has the ability to promote skin tissue recovery, reshape skin physiological functions, inhibit collagen carboxylation, make skin firm, and reduce aging rate.

Anti inflammatory and antioxidant: Copper peptide complexes can inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, protect tissues from oxidative damage, and have mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Promoting wound healing: Similar to GHK Cu, AHK Cu can activate tissue remodeling processes and promote repair and regeneration of damaged skin.

3、 Recommended addition ratio and application scenarios

AHK Cu formula has good compatibility and strong water solubility, and can be used in essence liquid, scalp care liquid, hair growth spray, face cream and other formulations. It is recommended to add it in the later stage of the formula under low temperature conditions below 40 ℃ to avoid high temperature damage to the activity of copper peptides.

Hair essence/scalp care fluid (core application): the recommended dosage is 0.5% -5% (calculated by pure powder). As the core active ingredient of hair growth products, it directly acts on scalp hair follicles, promoting hair growth, thickening hair strands, and reducing hair loss. The mainstream products on the market often use AHK Cu in combination with GHK Cu, with a typical ratio of GHK Cu 10%+AHK Cu 5% (calculated as a solution).

Anti hair loss spray: recommended dosage is 1% -3%. Combined with ingredients such as Biotin, a multi effect anti hair loss system is constructed.

Anti aging repair face cream/essence: the recommended dosage is 0.1% -1%. Utilize its skin repair and collagen synthesis promoting properties as a daily anti-aging ingredient.

Eyebrow/eyelash growth solution: It is recommended to add an amount of 0.5% -2%. Utilizing its characteristic of promoting hair follicle growth, it is applied to the densification care of eyebrows and eyelashes.

4、 Formula recommendations and safety compliance

Gold synergy combination:

AHK Cu+GHK Cu: The dual copper peptide complex is currently the mainstream solution in the field of hair growth. GHK Cu focuses on skin repair and improvement of hair follicle microenvironment, while AHK Cu focuses on directly stimulating hair follicle elongation, and the two work synergistically to enhance efficiency.

AHK Cu+Biotin: Biotin provides nutritional support for hair growth and forms a dual drive of "nutrition+signal" with the growth promoting effect of copper peptides.

AHK Cu+Licorice Root Extract: Licorice root has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, which can reduce scalp inflammation and create a better working environment for copper peptides.

Compatibility taboos: Avoid direct mixing with strong acids (low pH), strong oxidants, and high concentrations of VC (ascorbic acid), which may cause copper ion release or peptide chain breakage.

Safety compliance: AHK Cu has good safety and no obvious irritation when used externally. However, it is recommended that pregnant women, lactating women, and individuals under the age of 18 use it with caution. It is recommended to perform a local skin test for the first use.

5、 Application areas and brand usage display

AHK Cu is mainly used in the field of hair care (hair growth/anti shedding), and can also be used in skin repair products.

Hair growth essence/scalp care product: as the core active ingredient, it is applied to hair growth essence, scalp spray, anti hair loss essence, etc., focusing on the concept of "copper peptide hair growth".

Anti alopecia shampoo: It can be used with biotin, caffeine and other ingredients for anti alopecia shampoo, scalp care essence, etc.

Eyebrow/eyelash growth product: use its characteristics to promote hair follicle growth, and apply it to eyelash growth liquid, eyebrow essence, etc.

Skin repair products: as a substitute or supplement for GHK Cu, they are used to repair face cream, anti-aging essence, etc.

Brand usage case:

PeptideLabz (USA): Copper Peptide Hair Serum (10% GHK Cu+5% AHK Cu), which focuses on the double copper peptide hair essence, has 3.7 points (101 comments) on Amazon, and the user feedback that the hair becomes thicker after 2 months of use.

MELAO (China): OEM GHK Cu&AHK Cu Hair Growth essence spray, which provides OEM services for the global market.

A large number of Chinese factories on Alibaba's platform provide AHK Cu raw material and finished product OEM services, covering various dosage forms such as hair essence, scalp care oil, anti stripping spray, etc., with MOQ as low as 5-500 pieces, targeting global DTC brands and cross-border e-commerce sellers.

6、 Summary of AHK Cu vs GHK Cu Comparison

Summary: AHK Cu is a star component of the copper peptide family that focuses on the field of hair growth and complements GHK Cu. If your product focuses on the concept of "hair growth/anti shedding", AHK Cu is a better choice than GHK Cu; If the main focus is on "skin repair/anti-aging", then GHK Cu is more suitable. The combination of the two can achieve comprehensive coverage of "hair growth+repair".