Ipamorelin vs AHK-Cu
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Growth Hormone Peptides
IpamorelinSkin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
AHK-Cu- Summary
- Ipamorelin is a selective GHRP (growth hormone releasing peptide) and one of the cleanest GH secretagogues available. It selectively stimulates GH release without significantly raising cortisol, prolactin, or appetite — making it ideal for long-term use and anti-aging protocols.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- 2 hours
- Hours (topical, variable by formulation)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Topical, Scalp application, Subcutaneous (research)
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 100–300 mcg
- 0.01–0.1% concentration
- Frequency
- Once to twice daily
- Once or twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Increases lean muscle mass
- Enhances fat loss
- Improves recovery time
- Strengthens bones and joints
- Better sleep quality and REM sleep
- Enhanced skin elasticity
- Minimal impact on hunger or cortisol
- No cortisol or prolactin spike
- Clean GH release suitable for long-term protocols
- 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
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Temporary water retention (mild)
- Possible hunger increase (milder than GHRP-6)
- Numbness or tingling in extremities (rare)
- 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)
- Stacks With
- —
- —