Comparison
Argireline vs. GHK-Cu
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Cosmetic
Cosmetic
CAS no.
616204-22-9
49557-75-7
Molecular weight
888.99 g/mol
340.4 g/mol
Half-life
no data
no data
Sequence
Ac-Glu-Glu-Met-Gln-Arg-Arg-NH2GHKMechanism of action
Argireline
Argireline is a synthetic hexapeptide whose sequence corresponds to the N-terminus of the SNAP-25 protein. In vitro it has been shown to competitively inhibit SNARE complex formation (necessary for vesicle fusion in neurotransmitter release). Topical application is intended — given very limited skin permeation — to attenuate cholinergic signalling at the neuromuscular endplate. The effect is orders of magnitude weaker than intramuscular botulinum toxin; the clinical translatability of the in-vitro observations to the skin microenvironment is contested.
GHK-Cu
Endogenous tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that chelates copper(II) ions. In skin-cell models and skin biopsies an influence on collagen synthesis, antioxidant markers, gene-expression profiles and wound-healing processes has been described. In topical use in cosmetic studies, changes in various skin parameters have been reported.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human trial
Studies
3
3
of which in humans
2
1
Effects recorded
3
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
2