GHRP-6 vs Pal-AHK
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- GHRP-6 is the original synthetic GH-releasing peptide and a potent ghrelin receptor agonist. It produces strong GH pulses but is notorious for a significant hunger surge 30–45 minutes post-injection. This hunger side effect makes it less preferred than Ipamorelin or GHRP-2 for most protocols but can be useful in patients with appetite deficiency.
- Pal-AHK is the palmitoylated form of the AHK-Cu copper tripeptide, created by attaching a palmitic acid chain to enhance skin penetration and lipid bilayer affinity. The palmitoyl modification significantly improves dermal bioavailability compared to unmodified AHK, making it particularly effective in anti-aging and hair growth formulations.
- Half-Life
- 15–60 minutes
- Extended (lipid depot effect in stratum corneum)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Intranasal
- Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100–300 mcg
- 0.01–0.05% in formulation
- Frequency
- 2–3 times daily
- Once or twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Strong GH stimulation
- Elevated IGF-1
- Muscle growth and recovery support
- Potential anti-inflammatory effects at GI level
- Useful for patients with appetite deficiency or cachexia
- Enhanced recovery from training
- Enhanced skin penetration vs. unmodified AHK-Cu
- Stimulates dermal collagen and elastin production
- Promotes hair follicle anagen phase
- Antioxidant and wound healing activity
- Firming and plumping effect on aging skin
- Improved bioavailability via lipid bilayer incorporation
- Side Effects
- Intense hunger surge (30–45 min post-injection)
- Water retention
- Elevated cortisol (modest)
- Elevated prolactin (modest)
- +2 more
- Generally well-tolerated
- Mild irritation at high concentrations in sensitive skin
- Possible comedogenicity at very high palmitate concentrations (formulation-dependent)
- Stacks With
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