AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) vs SS-31
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two anti-aging & longevity peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper)
Copper-chelating tripeptide structurally related to GHK-Cu but optimized for scalp and hair follicle applications. AHK-Cu activates hair follicle stem cells and prolongs the anagen (active growth) phase, making it a key research compound for androgenetic alopecia and diffuse hair loss. Used topically as an alternative or complement to minoxidil and finasteride.
Full profileSS-31
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted peptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, protecting cardiolipin and restoring mitochondrial function. It is being studied for heart failure, aging, and metabolic disease. One of the most exciting longevity-adjacent peptides in current research.
Full profile| AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) | SS-31 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Anti-Aging & Longevity | Anti-Aging & Longevity |
| Also known as | AHK copper peptide, Ala-His-Lys copper, hair growth copper peptide, AHK-copper complex | Elamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia, Szeto-Schiller peptide 31 |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Investigational (in trials) |
| Dosing range | 0.1%–1% %, Daily topical application (scalp) | 1mg–10mg mg, daily or every other day |
| Administration | Topical (scalp serum/solution), Subcutaneous (microneedling-assisted delivery) | Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous (clinical trials) |
| Key side effects | Mild scalp irritation, Contact dermatitis (rare), Temporary scalp redness or tingling, Transient scalp shedding at initiation (shedding phase) | Injection site reactions, Nausea (rare), Generally well-tolerated in clinical trial populations |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 2 references |
Key differences
- Evidence level differs: AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is research-stage, while SS-31 is investigational (in trials).
- Administration: AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) — Topical (scalp serum/solution), Subcutaneous (microneedling-assisted delivery); SS-31 — Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous (clinical trials).
- Dosing units differ: AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is dosed in %, SS-31 in mg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is typically Daily topical application (scalp); SS-31 is daily or every other day.
How each works
AHK-Cu (Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper)
AHK-Cu activates β-catenin/Wnt signaling in dermal papilla cells and promotes VEGF expression around hair follicles. Studies demonstrate extended anagen phase duration, increased follicle size, and upregulation of hair growth factors in treated scalp tissue. The copper component supports tyrosinase activity for follicle pigmentation and metalloenzymes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling around follicles.
SS-31
SS-31 selectively accumulates in mitochondria and binds cardiolipin — a phospholipid critical for the electron transport chain. By stabilizing cardiolipin, SS-31 restores ATP production, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS), and prevents mitochondrial permeability transition. Animal studies show dramatic reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction in aged tissues.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.