Can I use AHK-Cu scalp serum on my face instead?

AHK-Cu was designed specifically for hair follicles, not general skin regeneration. For facial applications, GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is recommended as it has much more research supporting skin benefits including collagen synthesis and wound healing.

Why does the copper peptide scalp serum need to be refrigerated?

Copper peptides are sensitive to heat, light and oxygen. Refrigeration slows degradation and helps maintain potency. The blue colour indicates freshness. If the colour shifts toward brown or green, the peptide has oxidised and the product should be replaced.

Copper Peptides AHK-Cu

Q: How long before I see results from AHK-Cu?

Hair growth is slow and most people using scalp treatments commit to 3 to 6 months of consistent daily use before evaluating results. Earlier signs may include reduced shedding or improved scalp feel, with visible density changes taking longer.

AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3)

In brief: AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper peptide specifically designed for hair follicle applications. Unlike GHK-Cu (which occurs naturally in the body and is used for skin), AHK-Cu was engineered to target the hair growth cycle. Research has examined its potential to stimulate the anagen (growth) phase and support scalp health. We use AHK-Cu in our scalp serum.

Quick Reference

INCI Name: Copper Tripeptide-3
Common Names: AHK-Cu, copper peptide for hair
Category: Peptide, signal peptide
Source: Synthetic (laboratory created)
Nubeean Concentration: 1%
Carrier System: Aqueous serum base with MSM for absorption support
Suited To: Those seeking to support scalp health and hair vitality
Cautions: Store in a cool, dark place. Can refrigerate after opening, especially in very hot climates. Discontinue if irritation occurs. For external use on scalp only.

What It Is

AHK-Cu (alanine-histidine-lysine copper) is a tripeptide – three amino acids bound to a copper ion. Unlike its cousin GHK-Cu, which occurs naturally in human plasma, AHK-Cu is entirely synthetic. It was designed in a laboratory specifically to target hair follicles.

The structure is similar to GHK-Cu but with alanine replacing glycine as the first amino acid. This small change shifts the peptide's primary activity from general skin regeneration toward hair follicle stimulation. While GHK-Cu has decades of research behind it, AHK-Cu represents a more targeted, newer approach to copper peptide applications.

Like all copper peptides, AHK-Cu solutions have a characteristic blue colour from the bound copper ion. This colour serves as a freshness indicator – shifts toward brown or green suggest oxidation and degradation.

How It Works

Anagen phase stimulation. Hair growth occurs in cycles: anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (rest). Research has examined AHK-Cu's potential to stimulate and prolong the anagen phase, keeping follicles in active growth mode for longer.

Wnt signalling pathway. Studies have looked at AHK-Cu's interaction with Wnt signalling, a cellular pathway involved in hair follicle development and cycling. Activation of this pathway is associated with hair growth initiation.

Blood flow support. Research has examined AHK-Cu's potential to stimulate VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which supports blood vessel formation. Improved blood flow to follicles means better delivery of nutrients and oxygen.

DHT pathway. Some research has explored whether AHK-Cu may help modulate 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. DHT is associated with follicle miniaturisation in androgenetic hair changes. This research is preliminary.

Copper delivery. Like GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu delivers copper ions to cells. Copper is involved in melanin synthesis (hair pigmentation) and is a cofactor for enzymes involved in keratin cross-linking.

Benefits

Primary Benefits

Research on AHK-Cu has primarily examined its potential to support the hair growth cycle, particularly extending the anagen (growth) phase. Studies have also looked at its effects on follicle size and activity.

Secondary Benefits

Copper peptides in general have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in research, which may support a healthy scalp environment. The copper delivery aspect may also support keratin structure in the hair shaft.

Concerns Addressed

AHK-Cu is typically used by those experiencing changes in hair density, thickness or growth patterns. It may be of interest to those going through hormonal transitions that affect hair, though we make no therapeutic claims for our product.

GHK-Cu vs AHK-Cu: Which Copper Peptide?

We're sometimes asked why we use different copper peptides in our skin and scalp products. Here's the reasoning:

GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) occurs naturally in the human body and has been extensively researched since 1973. Its primary focus is skin regeneration, collagen synthesis and wound healing. We use it in our facial serum. [LINK: GHK-Cu ingredient page] Read more about GHK-Cu →

AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) is synthetic and specifically designed for hair follicles. While the research base is smaller than GHK-Cu, it's more targeted to hair applications. We use it in our scalp serum.

Could you use GHK-Cu on your scalp? Yes – it has some hair-related research. Could you use AHK-Cu on your face? Technically, but it wasn't designed for that purpose. We've chosen to use each peptide where research suggests it's most effective.

Formulation Matters

Like all copper peptides, AHK-Cu is sensitive to light, oxygen and pH. It may be slightly less stable than GHK-Cu due to differences in copper binding affinity, which makes proper formulation and storage even more important.

pH sensitivity. AHK-Cu performs best at pH 5.5-6. Our formulation is adjusted to this range.

Oxidation. The blue colour indicates active peptide. Any shift toward brown or green means the product has degraded and should be replaced.

Our approach. Small batches, Miron violet glass packaging (which filters damaging light wavelengths), spray applicator to minimise air exposure and refrigerated storage. We recommend using within 12 months of opening.

Who Benefits Most

Those noticing changes in hair density. AHK-Cu research has focused on supporting the hair growth cycle, which may be of interest to those experiencing thinning.

Those going through hormonal transitions. Hair changes are common during perimenopause, menopause and other hormonal shifts. AHK-Cu may be one tool in a broader approach to supporting hair during these transitions.

Those seeking scalp support. The anti-inflammatory properties of copper peptides may help maintain a healthy scalp environment.

Those who prefer targeted ingredients. If you appreciate ingredients designed for specific applications rather than general-purpose products, AHK-Cu fits that philosophy.

How We Use It

Products Containing AHK-Cu

Copper Peptide | Scalp contains 1% AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) alongside MSM (5%) for keratin support and trehalose (2%) for cellular protection. 30ml Miron glass bottle with spray applicator, AU$59.

Using Our AHK-Cu Product

Part hair and spray directly onto scalp in areas of concern. Massage gently with fingertips. Use in the evening – this allows overnight contact time and avoids UV exposure while the product is on the scalp. Exposure to light and oxygen degrades copper peptides, making them ineffective. Can be followed with a light oil such as squalane for enhanced absorption if desired.

Consistent use is important. Hair growth cycles are slow – a single hair takes months to grow. Most people using scalp treatments commit to at least 3-6 months before evaluating results.

A Note on Fragrance

Our scalp serum is fragrance-free. No added fragrance, no essential oils (including rosemary, which is common in hair products but can be sensitising for some). The product has a very mild scent from the ingredients themselves, which dissipates quickly.

The Formulation Story

This product sits in our Clean Skins range – straightforward formulations that let ingredient-savvy customers access quality actives without unnecessary additives.

We paired AHK-Cu with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) deliberately. MSM is an organic sulphur compound with its own research base for hair applications – one study found MSM combined with a form of vitamin C produced results comparable to minoxidil. Sulphur is also essential for keratin synthesis, the protein that makes up hair. So MSM pulls double duty: supporting absorption and potentially contributing to hair structure.

Trehalose provides cellular protection, and allantoin soothes the scalp. That's it. No fragrance, no unnecessary thickeners, no ingredients that don't serve a purpose.

Usage Guidelines

Application

Part hair to expose scalp. Spray directly onto scalp, focusing on areas of concern. Massage gently with fingertips for 1-2 minutes to distribute product and stimulate circulation. Allow to absorb – do not rinse.

Frequency

Use once daily, preferably in the evening. Some users apply a light oil (squalane, jojoba) over the top to enhance absorption and provide occlusion overnight.

Timeline

Hair growth is slow. A single hair can take 2-6 years to complete a full growth cycle. Most people using scalp treatments evaluate results at 3-6 months of consistent use. Earlier results may include reduced shedding or improved scalp feel, with visible density changes taking longer.

General Guidance

Store in the refrigerator after opening. Use within three months. Check colour before each use – the serum should remain blue. Shifts toward brown or green indicate degradation.

Contraindications and Cautions

For external use on scalp only. Discontinue if irritation, redness or itching occurs.

Those with Wilson's disease or other copper metabolism disorders should consult their healthcare provider before using copper peptide products.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before introducing new products.

This product is not a treatment for medical conditions affecting hair. If you are experiencing sudden or significant hair changes, consult a healthcare provider to rule out underlying causes.

Research and Evidence

AHK-Cu has a smaller research base than GHK-Cu, which has been studied since 1973. Research on AHK-Cu has primarily examined its effects on the hair growth cycle, Wnt signalling activation, and follicle stimulation in laboratory and small-scale studies.

We find the available research promising for hair applications, which is why we chose AHK-Cu over GHK-Cu for our scalp product. However, the evidence base is still developing. We present this information as background on the ingredient rather than claims for our specific product.

Hair changes have many potential causes – hormonal, nutritional, stress-related, genetic. A topical peptide is one potential tool, not a complete solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu occurs naturally in the human body and has extensive research for skin applications. AHK-Cu is synthetic, specifically designed for hair follicles. We use GHK-Cu in our facial serum and AHK-Cu in our scalp serum – each peptide where research suggests it works best.

How long before I see results from AHK-Cu?
Hair growth is slow. Most people using scalp treatments commit to 3-6 months of consistent daily use before evaluating results. Earlier signs may include reduced shedding or improved scalp feel, with visible density changes taking longer.

Can I use the scalp serum on my face instead?
We'd recommend our GHK-Cu facial serum for face applications. AHK-Cu was designed for hair follicles, not general skin regeneration. GHK-Cu has much more research supporting skin benefits.

Why is MSM included in the formula?
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulphur compound. Research has examined its potential for hair applications and sulphur is essential for keratin synthesis. MSM may also support absorption of the peptide.

Why does the product need to be kept somewhere cool?
Copper peptides are sensitive to heat, light and oxygen. Refrigeration slows degradation. The blue colour indicates freshness – if it shifts toward brown or green, the peptide has oxidised.