GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu are two copper-linked tripeptides, differing by only one letter. The former occurs naturally in plasma and has been studied primarily on the skin; the latter is a synthetic analog, studied mainly on the hair follicle. Here's what distinguishes them.
GHK-Cu 50 mg – €39.90AHK-Cu 50 mg – €49.90
The differences in a table
| GHK-Cu | AHK-Cu | |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence | GHK-CuGlycine – histidine – lysine + copper | AHK-CuAlanine – histidine – lysine + copper |
| Origin | GHK-CuNatural (plasma, saliva, urine) | AHK-CuSynthetic analogue |
| Main research focus | GHK-CuSkin, collagen, extracellular matrix | AHK-CuHair follicle, dermal papilla cells |
| Key reference | GHK-CuMaquart et al., FEBS Letters, 1988 | AHK-CuPyo et al., Archives of Pharmacal Research, 2007 |
| Cosmetic name | GHK-CuCopper Tripeptide-1 | AHK-Cu— |
| Janoshik Report | GHK-Cu#241207: 99.781%, 50 mg vial | AHK-Cu#22344699.649%, 100 mg vial |
| PeptiLine Price | GHK-Cu€39.90 for 50 mg | AHK-Cu€49.90 for 50 mg |
One letter difference
The two peptides share histidine and lysine, which together with the peptide's end form the copper(II) binding site. Only the first amino acid differs: glycine in GHK is replaced by alanine in AHK. This small difference alters how the complex interacts with cells, which explains why they have been studied in different directions.
GHK-Cu: Skin and Matrix
GHK was isolated from human plasma in the early 1970s. The most cited studies show that it stimulates collagen synthesis by cultured fibroblasts (Maquart et al., 1988), and that it influences the production of elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and the expression of numerous genes. It is the copper peptide found in cosmetic serums. OurGHK-Cu guidedetails these works.
AHK-Cu: the hair follicle
AHK-Cu was studied by Pyo and colleagues in 2007: in human hair follicles cultured outside the body, it elongated the follicles and promoted the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, while reducing their programmed cell death (apoptosis). These results were obtained in the laboratory; no published clinical trials allow for conclusions to be drawn regarding hair.
What our analyses say
GHK-Cu 50 mg has three published Janoshik reports, covering two batches (MP-777CU501 and MP-777CU502), with purities ranging from 99.525% to 99.781%. For AHK-Cu, the published report covers one vial of100 mg(99.649%), while we sell the 50 mg bottle: we display it under its true name, without presenting it as the 50 mg ratio.
Which one should I study?
For research on skin, wound healing, or the extracellular matrix, the literature focuses almost entirely on GHK-Cu. AHK-Cu has been specifically studied for the hair follicle. GHK-Cu also exists inG50 Packwith the reconstruction equipment, and in the blendKLOW 80 mg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu?
A single amino acid: GHK-Cu begins with glycine, AHK-Cu with alanine. GHK-Cu is natural and studied primarily in relation to skin and collagen; AHK-Cu is a synthetic analog studied primarily in relation to hair follicles.
Which copper peptide is best for hair?
AHK-Cu is the one that has been specifically studied on the hair follicle (Pyo et al., 2007), using follicles cultured in the laboratory. No published clinical trials have yet demonstrated any effect on hair.
Are GHK-Cu and AHK-Cu both blue?
Yes. The color comes from the copper(II) ion bound to the peptide, present in both.
Do both have a certificate of analysis?
GHK-Cu 50 mg has three published Janoshik reports. For AHK-Cu, the published report concerns a 100 mg vial, labeled as such.
Can these bottles be used on the skin?
No. These are laboratory research reagents. For cosmetic use, there are products specifically formulated for the skin, such as our GHK-Cu serum.
- GHK-Cu Guide— copper tripeptide and what research says about it
- GHK-Cu and SNAP-8 Serum— copper peptide in cosmetics
- GHK-Cu or AHK-Cu— two copper peptides, two research avenues (you are here)
- GHK-Cu blue: color and preservation— what the color indicates, reconstitution, storage, biotinyl-GHK
- GHK-Cu 50 mg— lyophilized research vial, analyzed by Janoshik
- G50 Pack— GHK-Cu 50 mg with reconstitution materials
- Reading a certificate of analysis— understanding an HPLC report
- Certificates of analysis— the Janoshik reports from GHK-Cu (lots MP-777CU501 and MP-777CU502)
Maquart F.-X. et al., FEBS Letters, 1988; Pyo H. K. et al., Archives of Pharmacal Research, 2007; Janoshik reports #241207 and #223446. PeptiLine products are intended exclusively for scientific laboratory research. This page does not provide medical advice, protocols, or dosage information.