AHK-Cu vs Syn-Ake
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 →Syn-Ake
Syn-Ake (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate) is a synthetic tripeptide that mimics the effect of Waglerin-1, a peptide found in Temple Viper venom. It's used in cosmetics for anti-wrinkle effects.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | AHK-Cu | Syn-Ake |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Acts as a competitive antagonist at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, reducing muscle contractions similar to Botox but through a different mechanism. Provides muscle-relaxing effects when applied topically. |
| Typical Dosage | Topical: 0.5-2% concentration in serums for skin or scalp applications. Often combined with other growth factors for hair formulations. | Topical: 1-4% concentration in serums or creams. Applied 1-2 times daily to target areas like forehead and crow's feet. |
| 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 only. Should be applied to clean skin. Often combined with other anti-aging peptides for synergistic effects. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Temporary discoloration possible. | Generally well-tolerated topically. Rare reports of mild skin irritation or sensitivity. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both AHK-Cu and Syn-Ake are commonly used for: