Catalog5 refs
AHK-Cu
Cosmetic & DermalResearch use only
Educational use only. Not medical advice. Verify all information with primary sources and a licensed clinician before use.
Body Map
Skin
Overview
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) is a synthetic copper peptide (Ala-His-Lys + Cu²⁺) engineered to target dermal papilla cells and extend the anagen (active growth) phase of the hair cycle. It directly stimulates dermal papilla cell proliferation, upregulates VEGF production, suppresses TGF-β1, and provides anti-apoptotic protection to hair follicle cells.
Primary Uses
Stimulates hair follicle growth
Extends anagen (active growth) phase of hair cycle
Promotes dermal papilla cell proliferation
Upregulates VEGF production for improved blood supply to hair follicles
Suppresses TGF-β1 to prevent premature catagen transition
Protects follicle cells from apoptosis (elevates Bcl-2/Bax ratio, reduces caspase-3 activity)
Provides antioxidant protection to follicular microenvironment
Protocol Reference
Dose
100–500 ppm
Frequency
1x daily
Route
topical
Evidence
Preclinical
Also in Cosmetic & Dermal