BLP Copper Tripeptide-3 (AHK-Cu) Peptide Powder

AHK-Cu Copper Tripeptide-3 Powder is a fine, light blue powder of the copper complex of the alanine, histidine and lysine tripeptide. It dissolves in water and is used at low levels in skin and hair care, especially scalp products. If you work mainly on face care, compare it with our GHK-Cu copper tripeptide-1 powder.

What Is AHK-Cu?

AHK-Cu is a copper peptide, like the better-known GHK-Cu, but with a different amino acid sequence. The supplier links it to fibroblast activity, collagen and elastin support, a more even-looking skin tone and stronger-looking hair. For hair care, the supplier describes support of oxidative balance in the scalp through superoxide dismutase activity. These are cosmetic positioning statements; the material is sold for external cosmetic use only.

Key Properties

Hair and scalp focus

Among copper peptides, AHK-Cu is the one most often used in scalp serums and hair density products.

Low use level

The supplier suggests 0.3 to 1%, so 1 g of powder covers 100 to 300 g of finished product.

Easy to dissolve

It is water soluble and dissolves into a pale blue liquid.

Where It Is Used

Scalp serums, leave-in hair tonics, lash and brow serums and anti-aging face serums. In scalp care it fits well next to our hair and scalp peptide solution. More dry peptides are in our peptide powders section, and solutions are in the peptides category.

How to Use

Dissolve the powder in a small part of the water phase at room temperature, then add it to the batch at cool-down. Suggested use: 0.3 to 1%. Weigh with a balance reading to 0.01 g or better.

Compatibility and Technical Notes

Copper peptides can lose stability with strong acids, chelating agents such as EDTA and some vitamin C forms. Test such combinations before scaling up. Watch for a color change from blue to green or brown, which signals a stability issue.

Characteristics

INCI as stated by the supplier: AHK-Cu (alanine/histidine/lysine). Appearance: light blue fine powder. Solubility: water soluble. Grade: cosmetic, external use only. Shelf life: 24 months in a sealed container. CAS number: not stated by the supplier.

Example: Copper Scalp Serum (100 g)

Dissolve 0.5 g AHK-Cu Copper Tripeptide-3 Powder in 10 g distilled water. Separately mix 82.5 g distilled water, 3 g glycerin, 3 g D-Panthenol 75% and 1 g preservative. Combine both, stir and fill into dropper bottles. Avoid EDTA in this serum.

Working With Copper Peptide Powder

Weigh the powder on an accurate balance, ideally reading to 0.001 g for small batches. Make a fresh 5 to 10% premix in distilled water and add it to the cooled batch. Use clean, dry spatulas, close the jar immediately and keep it away from humidity, since moisture shortens the life of the powder. Keep finished products in opaque or airless packaging.

Storage

Protect from direct light and humidity at 10 to 25°C (50 to 77°F). Keep tightly sealed.

FAQ

What is the difference between AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu?

Both are copper tripeptides. AHK-Cu is used mainly in hair and scalp products, GHK-Cu mainly in face care.

How much AHK-Cu should I use?

The supplier suggests 0.3 to 1%.

What color is the powder?

It is a light blue fine powder.