Ingredient or product comparison
Peptides for Hair Loss: Full Comparison
The table below compares the four peptide categories with validated follicular activity. Sorted by molecular weight and clinical evidence grade. GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) 340 Wnt/β-catenin activation, VEGF upregulation Randomised controlled trials showing 15–30%
This source-based comparison does not add ratings or recommend a winner.
- The table below compares the four peptide categories with validated follicular activity. Sorted by molecular weight and clinical evidence grade.
- GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
- 340
- Wnt/β-catenin activation, VEGF upregulation
- Randomised controlled trials showing 15–30% terminal hair increase
- Moderate (passive diffusion possible at pH 5.5–6.0)
- Strongest evidence base; formulation-dependent; requires daily application for 12–16 weeks before measurable density changes
- Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-4)
- 4,963
- Anagen phase extension via Sonic Hedgehog pathway modulation
- Preclinical models and one small pilot trial (N=30)
- Very low (requires liposomal delivery or microneedling)
- Promising anagen extension data but limited human trials; high cost relative to copper peptides
- Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 (Capixyl component)
- 450
- TGF-β1 inhibition, decorin mimetic activity
- One open-label pilot study (no vehicle control)
- Moderate (formulation-dependent)
- Weaker evidence than GHK-Cu; most published data from manufacturer-sponsored studies
- Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF)
- 17,800
- FGFR2 activation, dermal papilla cell proliferation
- Preclinical only; no published human RCTs for topical hair loss
- Negligible without transdermal enhancement
- Strong mechanistic rationale but no clinical validation for alopecia; primarily used in wound healing contexts