Tripeptide-3
Also known as: AHK tripeptide, Copper-free AHK
Basic form of AHK peptide without copper. Promotes wound healing, collagen production, and tissue regeneration for skin rejuvenation.
Beginner Basics
Plain-English guide to Tripeptide-3
What it does
This peptide tells your skin cells to make more collagen (the protein that keeps skin firm and smooth) and helps repair damaged skin tissue. Researchers study it for reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture.
Typical dose
Mix it into a cream or serum at 2-5% strength and apply to skin once or twice daily. This is a topical product you rub on, not inject.
When to inject
Apply during your morning and/or evening skincare routine after cleansing. There's no injection timing to worry about since you're applying it directly to skin.
Storage
Keep the dry powder in a freezer at -20°C (a regular freezer works). Once you mix it into a liquid, store it in a regular refrigerator at 2-8°C and keep it away from light.
First-timer tip
Start with the lowest concentration (2%) for a week or two to make sure your skin tolerates it well before moving up to 3-5%.
On This Page
Research Status
Limited Clinical Data
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
May occur in sensitive individuals or with higher concentrations (>5%). Typically resolves within 24-48 hours. Reduce application frequency or concentration if irritation occurs. Ensure skin is fully dry before application.
May occur immediately after application, particularly on sensitive or compromised skin. Usually subsides within 5-10 minutes. Discontinue if sensation persists or worsens.
Possible in individuals with known sensitivity to peptides or formulation excipients. Perform a patch test on a small area of skin 24 hours before full application. Discontinue use and seek medical advice if rash, swelling, or severe itching develops.
Some peptide formulations may increase photosensitivity. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) during daytime use, particularly if applying in the morning.
May occur if formulation lacks adequate humectants or emollients. Adjust by using a moisturizer after application or reducing application frequency. Ensure adequate hydration.
May occur during the initial 1-2 weeks as skin adjusts and undergoes remodeling. This is typically a sign of active collagen synthesis. Use a gentle exfoliant and moisturizer to manage. Resolves as skin adapts.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 2-5 % |
Frequency, timing and route - members only | |
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline, use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2-8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 305.4 g/mol (copper-free tripeptide) |
| Half-life | Not well-characterized for topical application; systemic half-life of GHK is approximately 30-60 minutes, but topical formulations provide sustained local effects through repeated application |
| Sequence | Members only |
Tripeptide-3 (the copper-free form of the GHK tripeptide) promotes skin rejuvenation by stimulating fibroblast activity and upregulating collagen synthesis through interaction with cell surface receptors. It enhances wound healing, increases skin elasticity, and supports tissue remodeling by activating growth factor signaling pathways and reducing inflammatory markers in the dermis.
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View all peptidesResearch Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. Tripeptide-3 is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.