Copper Peptide Research - GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu, Acetyl ...

For Skin & Hair

GHK-Cu Copper Peptide

Hair Growth via VEGF Pathways, 2023 (PMC10643103)

Significant increase in hair regrowth via VEGF pathway activation, with denser growth than control groups.

Read Study → For Skin

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 & Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Schagen, S. K. Topical Peptide Treatments with Effective Anti-Aging Results. Cosmetics, 2017, 4(2), 16.

Peer-reviewed review concluding that this palmitoyl peptide combination delivers measurable wrinkle depth reduction, increased collagen synthesis, and dermal density improvement comparable to retinoids, without the irritation.

Read Study → For Hair

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 vs Minoxidil Comparison, 2020 (PMC7840088)

Increased anagen/telogen hair ratio and outperformed 3% Minoxidil in density metrics, with no observed irritation.

Read Study → For Hair

AHK-Cu Copper Tripeptide

Pyo et al. Effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Arch. Pharm. Res., 2007.

Stimulated elongation of human hair follicles, increased dermal papilla cell proliferation, and reduced apoptotic cell death through Bcl-2/Bax pathway regulation.

Read Study →

Face Tonic

Best forFine lines and skin firmness appearance

Actives1% GHK-Cu, plus palmitoyl peptides

RoutineUnder 30 seconds, morning and/or night

Shop Face Tonic

GHK-Cu Hair Tonic

Best forFuller-looking hair and scalp health

Actives1% GHK-Cu, 1% Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

RoutineUnder 30 seconds, once a day, leave in

Shop Hair Tonic

AHK-Cu Hair Tonic

Best forTargeted support for hair density appearance

Actives1% AHK-Cu, 1% Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

RoutineUnder 30 seconds, once a day, leave in

Shop AHK-Cu

Face Tonic

★★★★★

"I've only been using this a week and I already see an improvement in my fine lines. It's rare to see noticeable change after that short time period with any product. I also started using it on my neck and the back of my hands. This stuff is amazing."

Hair Tonic

★★★★★

"I purchased the tonic to improve hair growth and to counteract thinning near the top of my head. Since then, I have visibly improved coverage, materially less shedding, and an excess of confidence. My old lady even noticed and questioned if my stylist had tried something new!!"

Face Tonic

★★★★★

"AWESOME. Only a week in. Skin looks younger and confidence is oozing. New level of aura unlocked."

Hair Tonic

★★★★★

"This hair tonic doesn't leave any residue or mess like minoxidil does. Even though I've only used it for about a month, I can already feel my hair getting healthier and fuller."

Six ingredients or fewer

Five ingredients in the Hair Tonic, six in the Face Tonic. Every one earns its place.

Tested in the finished bottle

Every active verified by LC-MS at the University of Illinois at Chicago, at or above label claim. Heavy metals screened by ICP-MS.

Made in the USA, 30-day returns

Formulated and produced domestically, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peptide Science

What makes PLU Laboratories' peptide formulations different? +

PLU Laboratories focuses on multi-peptide systems at clinically studied concentrations, verified by LC-MS in the finished product at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Most peptide products contain either GHK-Cu or other peptides, rarely both, and very few publish a finished-product test. Our approach combines complementary peptide technologies: GHK-Cu + Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 & Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 for skin, or GHK-Cu + Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 for hair.

Why don't PLU products include hyaluronic acid or vitamin C? +

We keep each formula to the peptides and their carriers. That keeps the peptide concentrations where we verify them and leaves the rest of your routine up to you. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are good ingredients; apply them after the peptides absorb, at whatever strength you prefer.

What concentrations of peptides does PLU use? +

Many brands use trace amounts of peptides, just enough to list on the label. Our formulations use peptide concentrations aligned with those examined in published research studies.

Our GHK-Cu Face Tonic contains 1% GHK-Cu, plus raw Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, dosed to the levels a 3% Matrixyl 3000 solution delivers. We buy the peptides themselves rather than the pre-diluted blend, so none of its carbomer, polysorbate 20, or butylene glycol comes along with them. Our GHK-Cu Hair Tonic contains 1% GHK-Cu and 1% Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3.

What is the research behind Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 for hair? +

Clinical studies on Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 examined this biomimetic peptide for supporting hair density appearance. Research suggests it works by strengthening extracellular matrix proteins around hair follicles.

In trials, it outperformed 3% Minoxidil in density metrics. Our GHK-Cu Hair Tonic combines this with GHK-Cu at the concentrations studied in the literature.

What timeline should I expect for visible results? +

Clinical studies typically measured improvements over 6-12 weeks. Most users report smoother skin or healthier-looking scalp in 1-2 weeks, with notable appearance improvements in skin firmness or hair density by weeks 6-8.

Individual results may vary. These timeframes align with the protocols used in published peptide efficacy studies.

Can I use other active ingredients with PLU products? +

Yes. Apply PLU peptides first on clean skin, wait for absorption, then layer other actives or moisturizers as desired to maintain research-aligned efficacy.

For specifics on layering with common actives, see our deep dives on copper peptides and vitamin C, copper peptides and retinol, and GHK-Cu vs tretinoin.