AHK-Cu vs Follistatin
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
AHK-Cu
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3, Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is a copper peptide similar to GHK-Cu but with different properties. It's used for hair growth and skin rejuvenation applications.
Full details →Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | AHK-Cu | Follistatin |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | The copper-binding tripeptide stimulates collagen synthesis and may promote hair follicle enlargement. Works similarly to GHK-Cu but may have distinct receptor interactions. | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. |
| Typical Dosage | Topical: 0.5-2% concentration in serums for skin or scalp applications. Often combined with other growth factors for hair formulations. | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. |
| Administration | Topical application to skin or scalp. Can be used with microneedling for enhanced penetration. May cause temporary blue-green tint at high concentrations. | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Temporary discoloration possible. | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. |
| Best For |
Key Differences
Unique to AHK-Cu:
Unique to Follistatin:
Detailed Analysis
Commonalities
AHK-Cu and Follistatin are used for different purposes and have limited overlap in their applications.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose AHK-Cu for Skin Health & Aesthetics. Choose Follistatin for Muscle Growth.