Basics
What are research peptides?
Synthetic versions of naturally occurring peptide molecules produced for laboratory research. Short chains of amino acids that act as cellular signaling molecules — telling cells to heal, release hormones, reduce inflammation, etc.
Are research peptides legal?
In the US, most research peptides are legal to purchase for research purposes. Not scheduled drugs, but not FDA-approved for human use (with exceptions like sermorelin, tesamorelin). Verify legal status in your jurisdiction.
Why does sourcing matter so much?
Most peptides on the market are manufactured overseas — often in Chinese chemical facilities with inconsistent quality standards. Purity variance, incorrect sequences, and contamination are real risks with cheap overseas sources. GMP domestic manufacturing is the quality standard that matters. Our top recommendation: UNYX Peptides — one of the only US-domestic GMP manufacturers in the space.
What is GMP?
Good Manufacturing Practice — regulatory standards ensuring consistent product quality. A GMP-certified facility has passed third-party audits on manufacturing processes, quality control, and documentation. It's the same standard pharmaceutical companies use.
Reconstitution
What is bacteriostatic water?
Sterile water with 0.9% benzyl alcohol preservative. Required for peptide reconstitution — prevents bacterial contamination in multi-use vials. Never substitute plain water or saline. See our full guide.
How do I reconstitute a peptide?
Clean vial stopper with alcohol → draw bac water into syringe → inject slowly down the side of the peptide vial (NOT onto the powder) → swirl gently until dissolved → refrigerate. Full walkthrough in our reconstitution guide.
How long do reconstituted peptides last?
4-6 weeks refrigerated at 2-8°C. Never freeze reconstituted peptides. Store unreconstituted peptides in freezer for long-term.
Specific Peptides
Best peptide for weight/metabolic research?
By trial data: Retatrutide (24% weight loss) > Tirzepatide (~22%) > Semaglutide (~15%). Full comparison →
Best peptide for injury recovery?
BPC-157 + TB-500 stack. Most researched healing combination. Available as a pre-blend. Full guide →
Best peptide for anti-aging/longevity?
NAD+ + MOTS-c + GHK-Cu addresses three distinct aging mechanisms simultaneously. Longevity stack guide →
Can I stack GLP-1 peptides together?
No. Stacking semaglutide, tirzepatide, or retatrutide together creates receptor competition without synergy and increases side effects. Use one at a time.
Does BPC-157 need to be injected near the injury?
More effective near the site due to its localized mechanism, but systemic administration still works. TB-500 has no site requirement.
Side Effects
GLP-1 side effects?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation — dose-dependent, worst during escalation, typically improve over 4-8 weeks. Slow dose escalation protocol minimizes these.
BPC-157 and TB-500 side effects?
Animal research shows a favorable safety profile. No human clinical trials. No significant adverse effects reported at research doses in animal models.
GH peptide side effects?
Water retention, joint discomfort, and tingling (paresthesia) can occur at higher doses — consistent with GH effects generally. Typically dose-dependent and reversible.