Ingredient or product comparison
Comparison: AHK-Cu vs GHK-Cu for Hair Research Applications
Dermal Penetration (Topical) Moderate (Franz cell: 12% penetration at 24h) High (Franz cell: 22% penetration at 24h) AHK-Cu reaches follicular bulge more efficiently in topical protocols TGF-β Receptor Affinity High (IC₅₀ ~0.8 µM) Moderate (IC₅₀ ~2.1 µM) GHK-C
This source-based comparison does not add ratings or recommend a winner.
- Dermal Penetration (Topical)
- Moderate (Franz cell: 12% penetration at 24h)
- High (Franz cell: 22% penetration at 24h)
- AHK-Cu reaches follicular bulge more efficiently in topical protocols
- TGF-β Receptor Affinity
- High (IC₅₀ ~0.8 µM)
- Moderate (IC₅₀ ~2.1 µM)
- GHK-Cu shows stronger anti-fibrotic effects at lower concentrations
- SOD Activation
- Moderate (1.5× baseline at 10 µM)
- High (2.8× baseline at 10 µM)
- AHK-Cu better suited for oxidative-stress models
- Optimal Concentration Range
- 0.01–1.0 µM (cell culture); 0.5–2 mM (topical)
- 0.5–5 mM (topical); limited cell culture data
- GHK-Cu effective at lower molarity in direct-contact studies
- Stability (pH 6.5, 25°C, 60 days)
- 82% retention (measured via UV-Vis)
- 79% retention
- Both require refrigeration for long-term storage
- Bottom Line
- Gold standard for TGF-β modulation and anagen extension in controlled studies; lower penetration limits topical efficacy unless microneedled
- Superior penetration makes it ideal for topical research; weaker receptor binding requires higher application concentrations