AHK-Cu vs Leuphasyl
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 →Leuphasyl
Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) is a cosmetic peptide that reduces muscle tension through a mechanism similar to enkephalins. Often combined with Syn-Ake for enhanced anti-wrinkle effects.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | AHK-Cu | Leuphasyl |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 1 mg–10 mg | 200 mcg–500 mcg |
| Frequency | 2x daily | 2x daily |
| Cycle Length | 4–8 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| Route | topical | topical |
| 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. | Mimics enkephalin and binds to enkephalin receptors on muscle cells, reducing acetylcholine release and thereby decreasing muscle contraction intensity. |
| Typical Dosage | Topical: 0.5-2% concentration in serums for skin or scalp applications. Often combined with other growth factors for hair formulations. | Topical: 3-8% concentration in serums. Often used in combination products with other muscle-relaxing peptides. |
| Administration | Topical application to skin or scalp. Can be used with microneedling for enhanced penetration. May cause temporary blue-green tint at high concentrations. | Topical application to expression lines. Best results with consistent twice-daily use over 8+ weeks. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Temporary discoloration possible. | Very well-tolerated topically. No significant adverse effects reported at cosmetic concentrations. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
AHK-Cu, Leuphasyl are both commonly used for:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | AHK-Cu | Leuphasyl |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Health & Aesthetics | medium | medium |
Key Studies
Leuphasyl
- Integrative In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation of Vialox and Leuphasyl Pentapeptides for Antiaging Applications.
Chemistry & biodiversity, 2026
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