Pal-AHK, also referred to as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3, is a tripeptide with a fatty acid attachment. It consists of amino acid sequences (alanine-histidine-lysine) and appears to be attached to a Palmitoyl fatty acid molecule. The fatty-acid component of AHK makes it lipophilic (soluble in fat), which may increase the potential of the peptide for penetration and absorption by epidermal cells in experimental models while maintaining the same mechanisms of action as regular AHK. AHK appears to be a multifunctional copper-binding peptide that has been studied for its potential role in supporting cellular functions related to the kin's extracellular matrix.

Research indicates that AHK-Cu may increase the proliferation and viability of dermal fibroblasts—the primary cells responsible for producing collagen and other essential proteins in the extracellular matrix (ECM).[1] Moreover, the peptide appears to possess significant antioxidative potential compared to other tripeptides when investigated via chromatographic evaluations. This appears to be related to its potent metal-chelating properties