AHK-Cu vs IGF-1 LR3
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 →IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 LR3 (Long R3 Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) is a modified version of IGF-1 with extended half-life and enhanced potency. The modifications prevent binding to IGF binding proteins, increasing bioavailability.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | AHK-Cu | IGF-1 LR3 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 IGF-1 receptors to promote protein synthesis, muscle growth, and fat metabolism. The LR3 modification (13 amino acid extension and arginine substitution) extends half-life from minutes to 20-30 hours. |
| 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 20-100mcg daily, often divided into multiple injections or administered bilaterally to target muscles. |
| Administration | Topical application to skin or scalp. Can be used with microneedling for enhanced penetration. May cause temporary blue-green tint at high concentrations. | Intramuscular injection (site-specific growth) or subcutaneous for systemic effects. Often cycled 4-6 weeks on, equal time off. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Temporary discoloration possible. | Hypoglycemia, joint pain, water retention, potential jaw/hand growth with extended use, and injection site reactions. |
| Best For |
Key Differences
Unique to AHK-Cu:
Unique to IGF-1 LR3:
Detailed Analysis
Commonalities
AHK-Cu and IGF-1 LR3 are used for different purposes and have limited overlap in their applications.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose AHK-Cu for Skin Health & Aesthetics. Choose IGF-1 LR3 for Muscle Growth, Fat Loss, Recovery & Healing.