Acetyl tetrapeptide-5
is used in cosmetic eye formulations to decrease puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles by reducing edema and protecting proteins such as SOD from glycation
Alanine
Ala / A · hydrophobic residue · neutral charge
AOD-9604
is studied as an anti-obesity peptide that can reduce weight gain and increase fat oxidation in obese animal models with generally neutral effects on IGF-1 and glucose metabolism in early human trials
Arginine
Arg / R · basic residue · positive charge
Argireline
is a topical cosmetic peptide reported to decrease dynamic wrinkles by partially mimicking the mechanism of botulinum toxin in a non-invasive manner
Asparagine
Asn / N · polar residue · neutral charge
Aspartic acid
Asp / D · acidic residue · negative charge
BPC-157
is investigated for accelerating healing of gastrointestinal mucosa, tendons, ligaments, bone, and nervous tissue in preclinical models, with anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects
Comparison
While GHK-Cu acts as a tissue-remodeling and wound-healing signal, enhancing skin regeneration, angiogenesis, and repair while reducing inflammation and oxidative damage in experimental models31383, Selank is a peptide developed in Russia as an anxiolytic and nootropic; in animal models it reduces anxiety-like behavior and modulates immune parameters under stress39.
While GHK-Cu works as an endogenous tripeptide, Gly-His-Lys, that chelates Cu²⁺ and modulates gene expression, stimulating collagen, elastin, proteoglycan, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis while exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects31383, Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro, that combines a tuftsin fragment with a Pro-Gly-Pro motif and is reported to modulate GABAergic neurotransmission and cytokine balance while being resistant to proteolytic degradation39.
GHK-Cu
Not clearly established in the current dataset.
Selank
Not clearly established in the current dataset.
GHK-Cu
Not assigned in the current dataset.
Selank
Not assigned in the current dataset.
The clearest overlap between GHK-Cu and Selank is that both converge around Signaling modulator. Their typical research and application settings separate fairly clearly: GHK-Cu is more often discussed in the realm of Dermatology and aesthetics and Aging and longevity, whereas Selank is more often associated with the realm of Neurology and brain health and Immunology and inflammation. Both appear to work through Signaling modulator, but the functional emphasis still separates, with GHK-Cu leaning toward Collagen and elastin stimulation, Tissue repair and healing, and Antioxidant activity and Selank leaning toward Anxiolytic and sleep modulation and Immune regulation. GHK-Cu has a more natural endogenous origin, while Selank is closer to synthetic analog background and their development context also differs, with GHK-Cu cosmetic grade while Selank is approved for Research use only. Their sequence patterns also diverge, with GHK-Cu showing protein-mimetic sequence features and Selank showing proline-rich features.