Research library
Skin + Copper/peptide

AHK-Cu

Canonical identity: AHK-Cu

Also indexed as: AHK copper peptide

A copper-peptide research label with a much smaller directly located literature base than GHK-Cu.

Evidence level

In vitro / mechanistic evidence

Verified against the linked source set on 2026-08-20.

What it is

AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide label used in cosmetic and research discussions. Exact identity and product evidence should be documented separately.

Mechanism and research questions

  • Research discussions focus on copper-peptide interactions and skin or follicle-related models.
  • The direct literature is too small to establish a consistent receptor, follicle, or skin outcome for every AHK-Cu preparation.

Human evidence

No robust human clinical efficacy evidence was identified in the reviewed sources.

Preclinical / mechanistic evidence

Mechanistic and cosmetic literature may provide hypotheses, but exact product equivalence is unresolved.

Evidence summary

The initial audit located only a small direct PubMed record set; treat the evidence as preliminary until more primary sources are verified.

Limits and interpretation

  • Require exact sequence, copper state, purity, and formulation data.
  • Do not borrow GHK-Cu claims for AHK-Cu.
  • No application or medical protocol is provided.

Regulatory and identity note

Research/cosmetic ingredient identity; not presented as approved therapy.

Research summaries reflect primary literature, patent landscapes, and regulatory status reports at the time of review. They do not constitute therapeutic advice, endorsement, or claims regarding unauthorized preparations.