AHK-Cu vs Vialox
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- 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.
- Vialox is a synthetic pentapeptide that mimics the activity of conotoxin from cone snails, acting as an antagonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. Similar to Syn-Ake but derived from cone snail venom biochemistry, it reduces facial muscle contraction to smooth expression wrinkles.
- Half-Life
- Hours (topical, variable by formulation)
- Not applicable (topical; effect duration hours)
- Admin Route
- Topical, Scalp application, Subcutaneous (research)
- Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 0.01–0.1% concentration
- 0.005-0.05% in formulation
- Frequency
- Once or twice daily
- Twice 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
- Reduces dynamic wrinkles from repetitive facial expressions
- Reversible muscle-relaxing effect without injection
- Smooths forehead, periorbital, and perioral lines
- Complementary to collagen-stimulating peptides
- Well-studied tolerability in cosmetic concentrations
- Can be combined with Syn-Ake for dual conotoxin/viper venom effect
- 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)
- Generally very well-tolerated topically
- Rare contact sensitivity or mild irritation
- No clinically significant systemic neuromuscular effects at cosmetic doses
- Stacks With
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