Peptides: What You Need to Know
From FDA-approved GLP-1s to gray-market research compounds. We break down the science, the hype, the risks, and help you make informed decisions.
What are peptides, exactly?
Peptides are just small proteins—chains of amino acids strung together. Your body makes thousands of them naturally. The ones getting attention are synthetic versions designed to trigger specific effects: appetite suppression, tissue healing, skin rejuvenation, and more.
Some—like semaglutide (Ozempic)—have gone through rigorous FDA trials. Others are sold as “research chemicals” with only animal data. The evidence varies wildly, and so do the risks.
Read the full explainerThe Evidence Spectrum
Not all peptides are equal. Here's how they stack up from most to least evidence.
FDA-Approved Peptides
Rigorous human trials, known safety profile
Research Peptides
Promising animal data, limited human evidence
Important Safety Considerations
- •Most peptides sold online are not FDA-approved for human use
- •Quality varies wildly—some products have been found contaminated or mislabeled
- •“Research purposes only” labeling is a legal fiction to avoid FDA oversight
- •Long-term effects of most peptides are unknown
- •“Stacking” multiple peptides increases risks in unpredictable ways
The Legal Gray Area
Most peptides are sold as “research chemicals” or labeled “not for human consumption.” This is how sellers avoid FDA regulation—they're technically not selling drugs for human use.
The reality: Everyone knows humans are using them. The FDA has been cracking down, adding peptides to “do not compound” lists and sending warning letters to sellers. RFK Jr. and others have promised to change this, but for now, buying peptides online occupies a gray zone.
What this means for you: You're taking on the risk. No one is verifying purity. No one is liable if something goes wrong. Buy from reputable sources with third-party testing, and understand what you're getting into.
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Have a specific goal in mind?
Peptides are tools for specific outcomes. Start with what you want to achieve, then see which options might help.
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