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Peptide Library / Skin & Hair / Cellular

AHK-Cu

Copper Tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys)

AHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) Research Protocol

Complete Research Guide 4 min read1 peer-reviewed references

Quickstart Overview

AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys complexed with copper) studied primarily for hair growth. Like GHK-Cu it delivers copper to enzymes involved in tissue remodelling, with particular interest in the dermal papilla and follicular vasculature.

Reconstitution
Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to a 50 mg vial → 25 mg/mL
Literature Range
Topical 1–2%; SC 0.5–1 mg
Measuring Reference
At 25 mg/mL: 1 mg = 0.04 mL = 4 units
Frequency
Once daily
Route (studies)
Topical or SC
Cycle
8–12 weeks

Scientific Data

Molecular Formula
—
Molecular Weight
—
Sequence
Ala-His-Lys : Cu(II)
Sequence Length
13
CAS
Research compound
Peptide Family
Copper tripeptide
Half-life
Refer to published literature
Solubility
Bacteriostatic water, sterile saline
Storage
Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 2–4 weeks.
Appearance
White lyophilized powder
Standard: 50 mg vial · 2 mL diluent

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Interactive Reconstitution
Adjust vial size, diluent and target dose. Results update live.
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Concentration
25.00 mg/mL
Draw Volume
0.040 mL
Syringe Units
4.0 U
Doses / Vial
50

Units assume a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). Often used topically for hair; copper peptides tint the solution blue and can sting.

Frequency: Once daily

Reconstitution Steps

  1. 1Allow the lyophilized vial and bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature (~15 min).
  2. 2Swab both vial stoppers with a fresh 70% isopropyl alcohol pad and let them dry.
  3. 3Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a mixing syringe.
  4. 4Insert at an angle and let the water run slowly down the glass wall — never directly onto the powder.
  5. 5Gently swirl (do not shake) until the solution is completely clear.
  6. 6Label with date and concentration (mg/mL) and refrigerate at 2–8 °C immediately.

Supplies Needed

Planning example for a 12-week protocol at approximately 1000 mcg per day.

Peptide (50 mg vials)
Estimate vials from total mass: 1000 mcg/day × 84 days.
Bacteriostatic Water
One 10–30 mL vial typically covers a full cycle.
Insulin Syringes (U-100)
One per administration (29–31 G, 0.3–0.5 mL).
Alcohol Swabs
Two per administration (vial + site).
Sharps Container
Required for safe disposal.

Protocol Overview

Goal
Model copper-peptide hair-follicle and skin effects.
Schedule
Daily, 8–12 weeks.
Dose Range
Topical 1–2% / SC 0.5–1 mg.

Dosing Protocol

Topical
Common for hair/skin — 1–2% formulation
Injectable
0.5–1 mg/day where used
Frequency
Once daily
Cycle Length
8–12 weeks
Timing
Evening common
Route
Topical or subcutaneous

Storage Instructions

Lyophilized
−20 °C long term (18–24 months); stable at room temperature for short transit.
Reconstituted
2–8 °C refrigerated; use within 4 weeks.
Light
Protect from direct light; keep in the original carton.
Freeze/Thaw
Avoid repeat freeze–thaw cycles after reconstitution.

Important Notes

  • Do not combine topically with vitamin C — it dissociates the copper complex.
  • Blue solution and stinging are normal for copper peptides.

How This Works

AHK-Cu acts as a copper chaperone, supplying Cu²⁺ for enzymes such as lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase. In the scalp it is studied for stimulating dermal papilla cells, promoting follicular angiogenesis (VEGF) and extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. It also supports collagen synthesis and skin remodelling, overlapping with GHK-Cu's dermatological effects.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Reported in research
  • Stimulation of hair-follicle dermal papilla cells
  • Follicular angiogenesis and anagen-phase extension
  • Collagen synthesis and skin remodelling
  • Antioxidant copper-enzyme support
Possible considerations
  • Injection-site stinging (copper peptides)
  • Blue-tinted solution (normal)
  • Mild irritation (topical)
  • Limited controlled human data

Lifestyle Factors

  • Adequate hydration and 7–9 h of sleep are standard controls in most research protocols.
  • Consistent dose timing improves the reliability of any self-tracked endpoints.
  • Maintain a clean, sterile workflow for every draw to avoid contamination.

Injection Technique

  1. 1Wash hands, then prep the vial top and the target site with separate alcohol swabs.
  2. 2Pinch a subcutaneous skin fold (abdomen, ~2 inches from the navel) and insert at 45–90°.
  3. 3Depress the plunger slowly over 3–5 seconds, hold 5 seconds, then withdraw.
  4. 4Rotate sites each administration and dispose of the syringe in a sharps container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Third-party HPLC testing

CG Labz Verified Batches

No published batches yet.

Research Disclaimer

All compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research. Dosing figures below summarize ranges reported in published preclinical and clinical literature for reference purposes only. CG Labz does not provide medical advice or individualized dosing recommendations.

Peer-reviewed literature

References

  1. [1] International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    Pickart L. et al. Copper peptides in skin and hair.
    View Source