Peptide Comparison
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)vsAcetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Multi-functional copper peptide complex that stimulates collagen, enhances wound healing, and provides broad antioxidant protection for skin renewal.
SNARE complex inhibitor that reduces expression wrinkles through topical neuromuscular modulation — the 'Botox in a bottle' peptide.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
0.01%–1% %
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
5%–10% %
Frequency
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Once daily
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Once daily
Administration
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Topical
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Topical
Cycle Length
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Ongoing/indefinite
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Ongoing/indefinite
Onset Speed
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Limited human trials
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Limited human trials
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Wound Healing
Antioxidant Defense
Skin Rejuvenation
Expression Wrinkle Reduction
Non-Invasive Treatment
Safety Profile
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Molecular Formula
C14H22N6O4Cu
Molecular Weight
401.9 Da
Half-Life
Susceptible to enzymatic degradation; liposomal formulation extends stability. Highly water-soluble (325 mg/mL).
Bioavailability
Limited percutaneous absorption at topical concentrations (local dermal effects primary); systemic bioavailability via injection
CAS Number
49557-75-7
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
Applications
Best
suited for
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Individuals seeking comprehensive skin rejuvenation with antioxidant protection
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals seeking comprehensive skin rejuvenation with antioxidant protection. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Those with wounds, scars, or post-procedural skin requiring accelerated healing
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on those with wounds, scars, or post-procedural skin requiring accelerated healing. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
People experiencing hair thinning who want to support follicle health
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on people experiencing hair thinning who want to support follicle health. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Individuals looking for multi-pathway anti-aging through a single active ingredient
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on individuals looking for multi-pathway anti-aging through a single active ingredient. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
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.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Common
- Mild Tingling or Warmth
- Transient Redness
- Skin Dryness or Peeling
Uncommon
- Injection Site Reactions
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Serious
- Copper Accumulation (Theoretical with Injection)
- Copper Toxicity from Excessive Accumulation
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 (Argireline)
Common
- Mild Skin Irritation
- Transient Redness
- Slight Dryness
- Stinging on Compromised Skin
Uncommon
- Contact Dermatitis
Serious
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu)
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is not FDA-approved and lacks human clinical safety data, though cosmetic use in topical formulations is generally recognized as safe based on its composition. The tripeptide-copper complex has been shown to be non-toxic in in vitro cell studies and animal models at cosmetic concentrations (< 200 ppm). However, systemic absorption and safety at higher concentrations or with chronic use remain untested in humans. Copper accumulation in tissues is theoretically possible with repeated systemic use, and effects on copper metabolism have never been characterized. No human Phase 1 studies or formal toxicology assessments have been conducted.
Contraindications
- xWilson's disease (genetic copper metabolism disorder)
- xKnown hypersensitivity to copper compounds or GHK-Cu
- xActive skin infections at the application site
- xSevere hepatic impairment (reduced copper clearance capacity)
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)
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) if...
- Individuals seeking comprehensive skin rejuvenation with antioxidant protection
- Those with wounds, scars, or post-procedural skin requiring accelerated healing
- People experiencing hair thinning who want to support follicle health
- Individuals looking for multi-pathway anti-aging through a single active ingredient
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