Well StudiedHealing & RecoverySkin & Hair

AHK-Cu

Copper Tripeptide-3

Hair Growth Copper Peptide | Dermal Papilla Stimulator

Half-life

Not established

Chain length

3 amino acids

Reference frequency

Once or twice daily application

Research overview

DoseGear research brief

Synthetic copper-binding tripeptide targeting dermal papilla cells and hair follicles. Stimulates hair follicle elongation, promotes cell proliferation, increases VEGF production, and inhibits TGF-β1. Supports skin regeneration through fibroblast activation and collagen synthesis.

Mechanism of action

AHK-Cu penetrates scalp delivering copper directly to dermal papilla cells. Activates proliferation pathways, elevates Bcl-2/Bax ratio (anti-apoptotic), increases VEGF for blood flow, reduces TGF-β1, and promotes SOD production for oxidative stress reduction.

Compound background

Development & research timeline

Study windows describe what researchers measured, not when an individual should expect a result.

Origin & development

Synthetic alanine–histidine–lysine copper complex.

What it is researched for

Hair-follicle and dermal-papilla research involving cell proliferation, apoptosis-related signaling, and growth-factor changes.

Research observation window

No validated human hair-growth response window is reported.

Reference data

Lyophilized vial injectable protocols

Not personalized dosing instructions

Only injectable vial references are shown. Nasal, topical, and unsupported non-vial schedules are excluded.

Research context	Amount	Frequency	Route
Calculation example	1 mg	See source guide · See source guide	Injectable · 100 mg lyophilized vial + 3 mL BAC Water

Reference cycle

12-24 weeks minimum for hair growth, ongoing for maintenance

Reference storage

Topical preparations: 2-8°C refrigerated in dark glass container, use within 30 days; Protect from light and heat

Safety context

Reported side effects

Generally well-tolerated with excellent safety profile in topical applications
Rare scalp irritation (patch test recommended)
Potential for mild redness on sensitive skin

Contraindications & cautions

Not for use on broken or infected skin
Avoid eye area - may cause irritation
Do not use if allergic to copper or peptides
Not recommended during acute skin infections

Scientific references

01
The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro
Scientific citationThe effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Archives of Pharmaceutical Research (2007).
02
Effects of copper tripeptide on the growth and expression of growth factors by normal and irradiated fibroblasts
Scientific citationEffects of copper tripeptide on the growth and expression of growth factors by normal and irradiated fibroblasts. Wound Repair and Regeneration (2005).
03
Human skin penetration of a copper tripeptide in vitro as a function of skin layer
Scientific citationHuman skin penetration of a copper tripeptide in vitro as a function of skin layer. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2010).
04
Thermodynamically stable ionic liquid microemulsions pioneer pathways for topical delivery and peptide application
Scientific citationThermodynamically stable ionic liquid microemulsions pioneer pathways for topical delivery and peptide application. International Journal of Pharmaceutics (2023).

This DoseGear profile combines published scientific literature with lyophilized-vial protocol references. Citations are provided for independent review.

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