A to Z / Cosmetic / skin
AHK-Cu
Also known as Alanine-Histidine-Lysine copper, copper tripeptide-2.
Best known for The copper peptide for hair rather than skin
Evidence★★☆☆☆
Safety dataPoorly characterised
Route Topical
United StatesCosmetic ingredient: lawfully sold
AustraliaCosmetic ingredient: lawfully sold
as at 16 September 2026
What it is
AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (alanine, histidine, lysine), closely related to GHK-Cu. It is a lawful cosmetic ingredient, used mainly in hair growth products rather than skin care, with limited human topical data so far.
What the full entry covers
The book carries the rest of this entry:
- Where the research stands, with every claim cited
- What people commonly ask, and what the research shows so far
- Dosing in four labelled bands, described and not recommended
- Side effects, serious risks, cautions and interactions
- Questions to discuss with your doctor
- How it compares with GHK-Cu, Zinc Thymulin, Copper Peptide Hair Complex
Related entries
A certificate of analysis tells you what is in a vial. The evidence rating above tells you whether the compound has been shown to work in humans. Neither answers the other's question. How to read a certificate of analysis.
This page describes what is known and not known about AHK-Cu. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use it.