Skin & hair (cosmetic)
AHK-Cu
Copper tripeptide-3
A copper peptide used in hair products, studied in lab cells.
Peptide · 3 amino acids + copper
Lab & animal studies only
What it is
A copper-bound tripeptide (alanyl-histidyl-lysine) used in hair and scalp cosmetics.
How it's thought to work
In lab studies it stimulated the cells that support hair follicle growth.
What the evidence shows
Evidence comes from cell and hair-follicle culture studies. Controlled human trials are lacking.
Regulatory status
Used as a cosmetic ingredient. Not approved as a drug.
Safety notes
Topical use is generally well tolerated.
Key sources
- Pyo HK, et al. The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Arch Pharm Res. 2007. Find on PubMed
Educational summary only, not medical advice. Gtides does not sell or link to sellers of AHK-Cu or any other product. Products sold as “research peptides” are not approved medicines, and their contents, purity and sterility are not verified.