In the world of cosmetic actives, peptides are among the most exciting breakthroughs of the last few decades. Known for their ability to stimulate collagen, improve skin resilience, and influence cell activity, peptides are now central to modern anti-aging skincare and advanced hair restoration treatments.
One peptide making waves is AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3). While GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) has been widely studied and praised, AHK-Cu has gained attention for its superior stability and its unique ability to stimulate hair growth while still providing skin rejuvenation benefits.
At Bulk Naturals Wholesale (BNW), we’re proud to offer this peptide in multiple formats to suit any formulator’s needs:
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AHK-Cu Copper Tripeptide-3 Powder (99%) – pure, high-potency raw material.
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AHK-Cu Liposome Copper Tripeptide-3 Liquid (7%) – stabilized liquid form for ease of use.
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AHK-Cu Liposome Copper Tripeptide-3 Liquid (10%) – higher concentration for advanced applications.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes AHK-Cu special, how it compares to GHK-Cu, its proven benefits for hair and skin, and how BNW’s formats make it easy to create standout formulations.
What is AHK-Cu?
AHK-Cu stands for Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper Tripeptide-3. Like GHK-Cu, it is a copper-binding peptide that works at the cellular level. The presence of copper in this tripeptide is critical, since copper is an essential trace element for collagen production, wound healing, and enzymatic activity in the skin.
Unlike many peptides, AHK-Cu has been studied not just for skin benefits but also for hair follicle activity. It shows promise in promoting the growth phase (anagen phase) of hair, protecting follicles from damage, and improving scalp health.
AHK-Cu vs. GHK-Cu
Both peptides are valuable, but each has unique strengths.
| Feature | GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) | AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Anti-aging, wound healing, skin regeneration | Hair regrowth, scalp health, anti-aging |
| Stability | Less stable, more prone to enzymatic breakdown | Higher stability, longer-lasting activity |
| Collagen Support | Stimulates fibroblasts, improves elasticity | Stimulates fibroblasts, boosts ECM proteins |
| Hair Growth | Limited benefit | Strong evidence for follicle stimulation & DHT inhibition |
| Delivery | Often used in serums and creams | Effective in serums, tonics, scalp treatments |
| Form Availability (BNW) | GHK-Cu powder, liposomes | AHK-Cu powder (99%), liposome 7% & 10% |
✨ Takeaway: While GHK-Cu is excellent for overall skin repair and anti-aging, AHK-Cu is a dual-purpose powerhouse — perfect for formulations targeting both hair growth and anti-aging skincare.
Benefits of AHK-Cu in Skincare
✨ Anti-Aging Powerhouse
AHK-Cu has been shown to:
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Stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, improving firmness and skin elasticity.
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Promote the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that keep skin structured and youthful.
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Visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
💧 Strengthening the Skin Barrier
A compromised skin barrier is at the root of many concerns, from sensitivity to premature aging. AHK-Cu supports barrier function by:
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Enhancing production of glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronic acid.
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Improving hydration retention, making skin feel supple and resilient.
🌱 Antioxidant & Soothing Activity
Copper peptides like AHK-Cu play a role in neutralizing free radicals, reducing oxidative stress that accelerates aging. AHK-Cu also shows anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for stressed or sensitive skin formulations.
Benefits of AHK-Cu in Hair Care
🌿 Stimulates Hair Follicles
Research shows AHK-Cu can prolong the anagen (growth) phase of hair while minimizing follicle damage. It supports the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, which are key to follicle health.
💪 DHT Modulation
AHK-Cu helps protect against DHT-related follicle miniaturization, one of the main causes of androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss).
🧴 Scalp Health & Circulation
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Improves VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) activity, enhancing blood flow to follicles.
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Reduces scalp inflammation, irritation, and oxidative stress.
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Creates a healthier environment for new growth.
This makes AHK-Cu ideal for use in scalp serums, hair tonics, and leave-in treatments.
BNW’s AHK-Cu Formats
🧪 AHK-Cu Copper Tripeptide-3 Powder (99%)
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Purity: 99% pure peptide powder.
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Best For: Advanced formulators who want direct control of peptide concentration.
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Suggested Use Level: 0.3–1% in final formulations.
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Notes: Must be pre-dissolved in water and added in the cool-down phase (<40°C).
💧 AHK-Cu Liposome Copper Tripeptide-3 Liquid (7%)
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Format: Peptide encapsulated in liposomes for stability and penetration.
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Best For: Serums, toners, and leave-on products.
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Suggested Use Level: 5–30% of the raw material, which delivers ~0.35–2.1% active peptide in the final formula.
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Advantage: Ready-to-use format with enhanced stability and delivery compared to raw powder.
💧 AHK-Cu Liposome Copper Tripeptide-3 Liquid (10%)
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Format: Higher concentration liposomal active.
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Best For: High-performance serums, scalp treatments, and anti-aging formulations.
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Suggested Use Level: 5–20% of the raw material, which delivers ~0.5–2% active peptide in the final formula.
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Advantage: Potent yet convenient format; easy incorporation without solubilization steps.
Formulation Inspiration
1. Anti-Aging Peptide Serum
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Distilled Water — 78.5%
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Glycerin — 4%
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Niacinamide — 4%
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AHK-Cu Liposome 7% — 10% (≈ 0.7% peptide active delivered)
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Hyaluronic Acid (LMW) — 0.5%
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Panthenol — 2%
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Preservative — 1%
Why It Works: Delivers barrier support, hydration, and peptide-powered renewal in one elegant serum.
2. Scalp Revitalizing Tonic (Guarana Version)
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Distilled Water — 85.7%
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AHK-Cu Liposome 10% — 8% (≈ 0.8% peptide active delivered)
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Green Tea Extract (50% Polyphenols Powder) — 1%
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Guarana Seed Extract (Caffeine 22%) — 2.3% (to deliver ~0.5% caffeine)
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Panthenol — 2%
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Preservative — 1%
Why It Works: Guarana delivers a direct caffeine boost to stimulate hair follicles, while green tea polyphenols calm inflammation and protect the scalp.
3. Firming Overnight Cream
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Distilled Water — 75%
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Glycerin — 3%
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Shea Butter — 8%
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Jojoba Oil — 6%
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Emulsifying Wax — 6%
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AHK-Cu Powder (pre-dissolved) — 0.5% (≈ 0.5% peptide active delivered)
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Vitamin E — 0.5%
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Preservative — 1%
Why It Works: Combines nourishing butters with peptide-driven renewal for a luxurious overnight cream.
⚠️ Formulator’s Note:
These recipes are provided as formulation inspiration only. They are not stability-tested or market-ready products. Always adjust, test, and validate your formulations for safety, stability, and regulatory compliance before commercial release.
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Conclusion
AHK-Cu Copper Tripeptide-3 is a next-generation cosmetic peptide offering formulators unique advantages in both hair growth and anti-aging skincare. With its proven stability, multi-targeted benefits, and availability in multiple formats from Bulk Naturals Wholesale, AHK-Cu is ready to power your next breakthrough formula.
Whether you’re formulating a scalp tonic, serum, or luxury cream, BNW provides the formats, purity, and bulk sizes you need to bring innovation to life.
📚 References
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Won, C.H. et al. Hair growth-promoting effects of AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) in human hair follicle organ culture and dermal papilla cells. Journal of Dermatological Science. 2007. PubMed
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Biotech Peptides. Copper Peptide AHK-Cu and Hair Follicle Regeneration. 2022. Link
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Pickart, L., & Margolina, A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the skin. Journal of Aging Science. 2012. PMC
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