GHK-Cu and AHK-cu are copper peptides used as active ingredients in hair and skincare products. Copper peptides have an affinity to skin cells and have been used to support healthy collagen production, skin elasticity, and the natural wound healing process.
The main difference is that AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper peptide. At the same time, GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide in the human body, but what you'll find in the ingredient list of your favorite products is also lab-made and made to resemble the real thing.
What is AHK-Cu?
AHK-Cu stands is a synthetic copper peptide modeled after bioactive peptides made up of the following short-chain amino acids:
Alanine, histidine, and lysine combined with copper.
Unlike GHK-Cu, which occurs naturally in the body, AHK-Cu is lab-made and specifically designed to target hair follicles. This version of copper peptide has a much more focused role in signaling around the hair root, making it more suitable to support scalp hair and healthier hair cycles [1].
AHK-Cu vs. GHK-Cu: What’s the Difference?
Let's first look at the basic definitions of AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu:
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GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine + Copper): A naturally occurring copper peptide found in human plasma and tissues. However, note that GHK-Cu used in skin and hair ingredients aren't harvested from plasma and tissues but are produced in the lab.
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AHK-Cu (Ala-His-Lys + Copper): A synthetic copper peptide designed primarily to target hair growth and follicle health.
So, how do these compounds work for skin and hair care?
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GHK-Cu: Has an affinity to skin cells and acts as a signaling molecule for tissue repair and natural anti-inflammatory responses. Studies also show it upregulates genes linked to healing and downregulates those associated with damaging inflammation [2].
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AHK-Cu: This has been designed to work more locally at the hair follicles. Research suggests it may stimulate dermal papilla cells to regrow hair [1].
|
Feature |
GHK-Cu |
AHK-Cu |
|
Type |
Naturally occurring peptide + copper |
Synthetic peptide + copper |
|
Amino Acids |
Glycine - Histidine - Lysine |
Alanine - Histidine - Lysine |
|
Main Use |
Skin integrity and general cell support |
Hair and scalp care |
|
Focus Area |
Elastin and collagen production |
Hair follicle signaling |
|
Known For |
Supporting skin health for healthy aging and scalp health for hair growth |
Supporting stronger, fuller-looking hair |
Should I use AHK or GHK-Cu For Hair Growth?
Copper peptides don’t act like medications or hair regrowth treatments. Instead, they support the scalp's natural balance, which plays a role in healthy-looking hair over time.
If your main goal is to support thicker, fuller-looking hair or reduce the appearance of thinning, AHK-Cu is often the better choice. This compound was designed specifically to help the scalp and follicles stay in the hair’s growth phase longer.
That said, GHK-Cu can still be helpful for overall scalp health, especially if you’re looking to calm dryness or maintain a well-balanced skin barrier, which does influence hair growth.
Use Both GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu
Our Hair Elixer is made with pure GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu in distilled water — no other added ingredients, fragrances or dyes that might dry, irritate, or weigh down the scalp and hair. This formulation is gentle, water-based, and designed for direct-to-scalp use to support a clean, calm, healthy scalp environment.
Resources:
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Pyo, H. K., Yoo, H. G., Won, C. H., Lee, S. H., Kang, Y. J., Eun, H. C., ... & Kim, K. H. (2007). The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Archives of pharmacal research, 30, 834-839.
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Pickart, L., & Margolina, A. (2018). Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(7), 1987.
