Hair Growth Research Peptides
Overview
11 research peptides demonstrate hair growth properties. This collection covers their mechanisms, evidence base, and research applications.
TB-500
Preclinical | Healing & Recovery
TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring 43-amino-acid peptide found throughout human tissues.
Mechanism: TB-500 works primarily through actin sequestration — it binds to G-actin monomers, preventing premature polymerization, which allows repair cells to migrate rapidly to injured areas.
GHK-Cu
No Regulatory Activity | Skin & Tissue Repair
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. First discovered by Dr.
Mechanism: GHK-Cu chelates copper(II) ions via its histidine residue and delivers bioavailable copper directly to cells, preventing free copper oxidative damage.
Copper Tripeptide-1
No Regulatory Activity | Cosmetic Peptide
Copper tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) is the copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. Note: This entry focuses on the cosmetic/dermatological use of GHK-Cu.
Mechanism: GHK-Cu delivers copper ions to skin cells while the GHK peptide acts as a signaling molecule. Copper is a cofactor for lysyl oxidase (collagen cross-linking), superoxide dismutase (antioxidant...
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
No Regulatory Activity | Cosmetic Peptide
Myristoyl pentapeptide-17 is a lipopeptide used in eyelash and eyebrow growth cosmetic products. It is proposed to promote hair growth by stimulating keratin gene expression in hair follicle cells.
Mechanism: Myristoyl pentapeptide-17 is proposed to upregulate keratin gene expression in hair follicle keratinocytes, promoting hair shaft production and potentially increasing lash/brow thickness and length.
Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1
No Regulatory Activity | Cosmetic Peptide
Biotinoyl tripeptide-1 is a peptide consisting of the GHK (glycyl-histidyl-lysine) tripeptide conjugated to biotin (vitamin B7).
Mechanism: Biotinoyl tripeptide-1 combines two active moieties: the GHK tripeptide (which stimulates extracellular matrix production and tissue repair) and biotin (which is essential for keratin production and...
AHK (Ala-His-Lys)
Preclinical Only | Cosmetic / Research
AHK (Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysine) is a tripeptide related to GHK that shares copper-binding properties. It has been studied for its ability to stimulate hair follicle growth and promote wound healing through collagen synthesis and growth factor...
Mechanism: AHK chelates copper ions similarly to GHK. It stimulates dermal papilla cell proliferation via Wnt/beta-catenin pathway activation, promotes collagen synthesis, and enhances growth factor signaling...
AHK-Cu (Copper AHK)
Preclinical Only | Cosmetic / Research
AHK-Cu is the copper-complexed form of the AHK tripeptide. The addition of copper enhances its biological activity, particularly in stimulating dermal papilla cells for hair growth and wound healing applications.
Mechanism: Copper-dependent enzyme activation enhances dermal papilla cell stimulation. The copper complex promotes angiogenesis and ECM remodeling, with enhanced bioactivity compared to the non-copper form.
GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine)
Early Human / Mixed Evidence | Regenerative / Research
GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma. It declines significantly with age. Even without copper complexation, GHK demonstrates gene-regulatory activity affecting over 4,000 genes related to tissue repair, immune...
Mechanism: GHK modulates expression of over 4,000 human genes. It promotes collagen and decorin synthesis, regulates anti-inflammatory cytokines, and attracts stem cells to injury sites.
PTD-DBM
Preclinical | Hair Growth
PTD-DBM is a cell-permeable peptide that activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, a key regulator of hair follicle development and cycling.
Mechanism: PTD-DBM contains a protein transduction domain fused to a Dishevelled-binding motif that stabilizes β-catenin by inhibiting its phosphorylation and degradation.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Manufacturer-Sponsored Studies | Hair Growth / Cosmetic
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is a biomimetic cosmetic peptide used in hair care formulations, most notably as the peptide component of Capixyl (combined with red clover-derived biochanin A).
Mechanism: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3 is thought to stimulate extracellular matrix proteins (particularly laminins and collagens) in the dermal papilla, strengthening the anchoring of hair follicles.
Astressin-B
Preclinical / Serendipitous Finding | Stress / CRF Antagonist
Astressin-B is a synthetic cyclic peptide antagonist of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors, originally developed for stress-related research.
Mechanism: Astressin-B is a non-selective CRF receptor antagonist that blocks both CRF1 and CRF2 receptors. CRF is the master regulator of the stress response, activating the HPA axis and peripheral stress...
Related Products
Related Research News
TB-500: Thymosin Beta-4's Role in Healing and Repair
TB-500, known as thymosin β4, is a 43-amino-acid peptide first isolated from calf thymus in 1966 by Goldstein et al. It regulates actin in the body, supporting processes like wound healing, angiogenesis, and inflammation control. Research highlights its potential in treating conditions such as myocardial infarction, corneal injuries, and lung damage.
BPC-157 + TB-500 Peptide Blend: Research on Healing and Repair
The BPC-157 and TB-500 peptide blend draws attention in research for potential synergy in tissue repair, angiogenesis, and reducing inflammation. BPC-157, a 15-amino-acid synthetic peptide, interacts with growth factors in preclinical models. TB-500, a 43-amino-acid analog of Thymosin Beta-4, supports cell migration and regeneration. Studies explore their roles in wound healing, tendon recovery, and more.
GHK-Cu: Copper Peptide in Tissue Repair and Skin Research
GHK-Cu, or glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex, stands out as a naturally occurring peptide central to human tissue maintenance and repair. Found in plasma, saliva, urine, and skin, its levels drop from about 200 ng/mL in young adults with age, linking to reduced regeneration. Preclinical studies highlight its roles in collagen production, wound healing, angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, and more, with the copper complex showing greater potency than unbound GHK.