Eagle LogoPEPTIDE INITIATIVE

Peptide Database

Goals
Fat LossMuscle BuildingInjury HealingAnti-AgingCognitive EnhancementSleep OptimizationImmune SupportGut HealingSkin RejuvenationSexual Health
Peptides
Adipotide
Weight Management
AOD-9604
Weight Management
BPC-157
Healing & Recovery
Cagrilintide
Weight Management
CJC-1295
Growth Hormone
DSIP
Sleep & Recovery
Epithalon
Anti-Aging
GHK-Cu
Anti-Aging
GHRP-2
Growth Hormone
HCG
Hormone Support
Hexarelin
Growth Hormone
HGH
Growth Hormone
IGF-1 LR3
Growth Hormone
Kisspeptin
Hormone Support
Melanotan-2
Cosmetic
MOTS-C
Metabolic
NAD+
Anti-Aging
Oxytocin Acetate
Hormone Support
PEG-MGF
Recovery
PNC-27
Cancer Research
PT-141
Sexual Health
Retatrutide
Weight Management
Selank
Cognitive
Semaglutide
Weight Management
Semax
Cognitive
Sermorelin
Growth Hormone
Snap-8
Cosmetic
SS-31
Mitochondrial
TB-500
Healing & Recovery
Tesamorelin
Growth Hormone
Thymosin Alpha-1
Immune
Tirzepatide
Weight Management
Total Peptides: 32
Back to Home

Peptide Comparison

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)vsGHK-Cu

SNARE complex inhibitor that reduces expression wrinkles through topical neuromuscular modulation — the 'Botox in a bottle' peptide.

A naturally occurring copper peptide that acts like a master switch for your body's repair systems—boosting collagen production, accelerating wound healing, and helping your skin rebuild itself from the inside out.

CosmeticCosmetic

At a Glance

Quick
comparison

Dose Range

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)

5%–10% %

GHK-Cu

1–3 mg

Frequency

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)

Once daily

GHK-Cu

Once daily

Administration

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)

Topical

GHK-Cu

Subcutaneous injection

Cycle Length

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)

Ongoing/indefinite

GHK-Cu

8-12 weeks

Onset Speed

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)

Moderate (1-2 weeks)

GHK-Cu

Moderate (1-2 weeks)

Evidence Level

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)

Limited human trials

GHK-Cu

Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)

Efficacy

Benefit
ratings

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
GHK-Cu

Expression Wrinkle Reduction

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)85%
GHK-Cu0%

Non-Invasive Treatment

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)92%
GHK-Cu0%

Safety Profile

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)95%
GHK-Cu0%

Skin Rejuvenation

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)0%
GHK-Cu96%

Wound Healing

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)0%
GHK-Cu94%

Tissue Regeneration

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)0%
GHK-Cu91%

Technical Data

Compound
specifications

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)

Molecular Formula

C35H62N14O11S

Molecular Weight

887.0 Da

Half-Life

Topical stability dependent on formulation; methionine residue susceptible to oxidation; stable at pH 5.5-7.7

Bioavailability

Limited skin penetration (0.22-0.54%); primarily acts at stratum corneum and superficial epidermis; O/W emulsions enhance delivery

CAS Number

616204-22-9

GHK-Cu

Molecular Formula

C14H23N6O4Cu

Molecular Weight

403.93 g/mol

Half-Life

Approximately 1 hour (plasma)

Bioavailability

High when injected subcutaneously; variable topically depending on formulation

CAS Number

49557-75-7

Protocols

Dosing
tiers

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)

GHK-Cu

starting

1 mg

Once daily

4 weeks

Start low to see how your body responds. At this dose, you're giving your skin and tissues a gentle nudge toward repair mode. Many people notice subtle improvements in skin texture and healing speed even at this level.

standard

2 mg

Once daily

8-12 weeks

The sweet spot for most users. This dose has the most research support and delivers noticeable improvements in skin quality, wound healing, and potentially hair thickness. Most people tolerate it well after starting at 1mg.

advanced

3 mg

Once daily

8-12 weeks

The upper end of commonly used doses. Some experienced users push to this level for more aggressive anti-aging or wound healing goals. Monitor for any copper-related effects and consider periodic blood work to check copper levels.

Applications

Best
suited for

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)

Individuals seeking non-invasive reduction of expression lines and dynamic wrinkles

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals seeking non-invasive reduction of expression lines and dynamic wrinkles. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Those with needle phobia who want botulinum toxin-like effects without injections

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those with needle phobia who want botulinum toxin-like effects without injections. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

People targeting crow's feet, forehead lines, and glabellar creases

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on people targeting crow's feet, forehead lines, and glabellar creases. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Individuals looking for preventive anti-wrinkle treatment to slow expression line formation

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals looking for preventive anti-wrinkle treatment to slow expression line formation. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.

GHK-Cu

Anti-Aging Warriors

If fine lines, sagging skin, and lost elasticity are your enemies, GHK-Cu is your secret weapon. It ramps up collagen and elastin production—the two proteins responsible for keeping your skin firm and youthful. Studies show it can tighten loose skin and improve elasticity better than many popular skincare ingredients.

Wound Healing Champions

Whether you're recovering from surgery, dealing with stubborn wounds, or healing from a cosmetic procedure, GHK-Cu accelerates the entire repair process. It attracts immune cells, builds new blood vessels, and stimulates the growth factors your body needs to rebuild tissue faster and better.

Scar Reducers

GHK-Cu doesn't just heal wounds—it helps remodel scar tissue. By regulating how your body lays down collagen during healing, it can help scars become flatter, softer, and more like surrounding normal skin. It even reduces the TGF-beta signals that lead to thick, raised scars.

Hair Growth Seekers

Research shows GHK-Cu can enlarge hair follicles and activate the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway—the signaling system that tells hair follicles to grow. If you're noticing thinning hair or increased shedding, this peptide may help stimulate thicker, healthier growth over time.

Safety Profile

Side
effects

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)

Common

  • Mild Skin Irritation
  • Transient Redness
  • Slight Dryness
  • Stinging on Compromised Skin

Uncommon

  • Contact Dermatitis

Serious

  • Allergic Contact Dermatitis

GHK-Cu

Common

  • Injection site redness
  • Skin tingling (topical use)
  • Minor bruising
  • Mild swelling at injection site

Uncommon

  • Mild headache
  • Temporary skin purging (topical)

Serious

  • Allergic reaction

Research Status

Safety
& evidence

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)

Evidence Level

Limited human trials

FDA Status

Research compound

Safety Overview

Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 demonstrates an excellent safety profile for topical cosmetic use with no serious adverse events reported in clinical studies. At the 10% concentrations used in cosmetic formulations, systemic absorption is minimal and no neurotoxicity has been observed despite its mechanism of action on the neuromuscular junction. The peptide shows a safety margin of approximately 100-fold compared to toxic reference compounds. Primary concerns are limited to local skin irritation in sensitive individuals, such as mild erythema, transient stinging, or contact dermatitis in those with peptide hypersensitivity.

Contraindications

  • xKnown hypersensitivity to acetyl hexapeptide-3 or formulation components
  • xActive skin infections or open wounds at the application site
  • xNo known systemic contraindications at cosmetic concentrations
  • xUse with caution in individuals with neuromuscular disorders (theoretical concern)

GHK-Cu

Evidence Level

Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)

FDA Status

Research compound

Safety Overview

GHK-Cu has an excellent safety profile backed by decades of research since its discovery in the 1970s. It's a naturally occurring peptide found in your blood, saliva, and urine—your body already knows it well. Concentrations naturally decline with age (from about 200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL by age 60), which is part of why supplementation makes sense. Most side effects are mild and injection-related. The copper component is well-tolerated at recommended doses but should be monitored in long-term use.

Contraindications

  • xWilson's disease or copper metabolism disorders
  • xKnown allergy to copper or peptide components
  • xActive cancer or history of cancer
  • xPregnancy or breastfeeding
  • xChildren and adolescents

Decision Guide

Which is
right for you?

Choose Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline) if...

  • Individuals seeking non-invasive reduction of expression lines and dynamic wrinkles
  • Those with needle phobia who want botulinum toxin-like effects without injections
  • People targeting crow's feet, forehead lines, and glabellar creases
  • Individuals looking for preventive anti-wrinkle treatment to slow expression line formation

Choose GHK-Cu if...

  • Skin rejuvenation and anti-aging
  • Wound and injury recovery
  • Scar reduction
  • Hair growth support