AHK-Cu vs Liraglutide
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
AHK-CuGLP-1 / Weight Loss AgonistsFat Loss & Metabolic
Liraglutide- Summary
- AHK-Cu is a copper tripeptide composed of alanine, histidine, and lysine chelated to copper. Distinct from GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu exhibits strong affinity for hair follicle receptors and demonstrates potent hair growth stimulation alongside wound healing and skin regeneration properties.
- Liraglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes (Victoza) and chronic weight management (Saxenda). It reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, improves insulin secretion, and promotes weight loss of 5–10% in clinical trials.
- Half-Life
- Hours (topical, variable by formulation)
- ~13 hours (once-daily dosing)
- Admin Route
- Topical, Scalp application, Subcutaneous (research)
- SubQ
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.01–0.1% concentration
- Start 0.6 mg, titrate to 3 mg
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Stimulates hair follicle growth and reduces shedding
- Increases dermal papilla cell proliferation
- Promotes wound healing and skin regeneration
- Antioxidant protection via superoxide dismutase activation
- Improves skin elasticity and firmness
- Supports collagen and elastin production
- Promotes weight loss (5–10% average)
- Reduces appetite and caloric intake
- Improves blood glucose control (HbA1c reduction)
- Reduces cardiovascular events in T2DM (LEADER trial)
- Slows gastric emptying
- FDA-approved for T2DM and chronic weight management
- Cardioprotective effects shown in clinical trials
- May improve fatty liver (NAFLD/NASH)
- Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated topically
- Mild scalp irritation or redness in sensitive individuals
- Possible temporary hair shedding phase at treatment initiation
- Copper accumulation with excessive systemic use (rare)
- Nausea (very common, especially initially)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Decreased appetite
- +5 more
- Stacks With
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