The Ultimate Peptide Glossary
from muscle recovery to mood support, there's an injection for that
Peptides might be the biggest punchline in and about the wellness industry at the moment. It’s a punchline used by wellness-onlookers, those who are wary of the industry’s dystopian tendencies, and first-hand health enthusiasts with strong senses of humor (rare).
If you’ve been reading my writing for a second, you probably know that my feelings towards the ever elusive ‘wellness’ category are complex. To be well requires very little money, in my opinion: proper nutrients (largely from produce), daily movement, inner peace, connection with one’s community. And yet, I can’t blame anyone for being intrigued by the shiny new toys that promise to improve our entire personhood or superficially denote self care behavior. I’m writing this while wearing $[REDACTED] under-eye patches and drinking freshly brewed lemon ginger water. The frivolity of wellness (in the industrial sense) is no greater than that of, say, fashion, and at least this is all under the guise of self-improvement, an arguably more virtuous cause.
Back to peptides. They present an interesting case. Of course, they’re unnecessary to living a healthy life. However, they are a fun add on, and they’re not as artificial of an intervention as some may seem to think. Peptides, as you will recall from your middle school biology class, are small proteins made from short chains of amino acids. They are naturally found in our bodies and they signal certain commands to our cells. The most popular peptides these days are GLP-1 agonists (again, something we all create naturally), but maybe you’ve also heard of their less trendy cousin, insulin?
In a vacuum (read: when used correctly under the guidance of a medical professional), peptides are not that outrageous of a modality, despite the necessary self-shooting. Where the waters get murky is when we get into the off-label, unregulated overseas compounds that may or may not be as legitimate as they appear. Because this is such a hot button topic with plenty of confusion and intrigue and (bonus) futuristic visual aesthetics, it felt like a good idea to talk to a licensed professional about a) what peptides actually are and b) the most prevalent types and their purported benefits.
With that, let’s welcome Dr. Jonathan Leary, the founder and CEO of Remedy Place, the world’s first Social Wellness Club®. A recognized authority in alternative and sports medicine, Dr. Leary began his private clinical practice in 2015, specializing in surgery prevention and chronic pain rehabilitation. With advanced training in functional medicine, chiropractic, physiotherapy, and Chinese medicine, he built a globally sought after concierge practice rooted in proactive, root cause healing and performance. Most recently, he has led the launch of NAD+ Smart Pens in partnership with NADclinic.
Like my facial treatment and laser glossaries, the goal of this piece is to serve as a resource to return to, a comprehensive reference document the next time you hear someone mention their ‘current stack.’ First, some foundational context, courtesy of Dr. Leary himself.
What are peptides?
Peptides are small proteins made up of short chains of amino acids. The body uses them as signals. They tell cells when to repair, when to produce, when to regulate. This is happening constantly beneath the surface. Over time, those signals can weaken or become less efficient. Using peptides therapeutically is about supporting or restoring that communication in a precise way. They are not one single solution. They are a category, and each one has a very specific role.
What do they treat?
That depends on the peptide and the person, but most commonly they are used to support:
Recovery and tissue repair
Metabolic health and body composition
Cognitive function and focus
Sleep and energy regulation
Hormonal balance
Immune and gut health
Longevity and cellular resilience
The key is alignment. The right peptide needs to match what is actually happening in the body.
Are they meant to be used long term?
In most cases, no. They are typically used in structured protocols for a defined period of time. The goal is to create a shift or support a process, then step back and reassess. It is not about staying on something indefinitely. It is about helping the body do what it is already designed to do, more effectively. There are exceptions depending on the situation, but the approach should always be thoughtful rather than dependent.
How does someone know if they are a fit and how do they access them?
This is not something to figure out through trial and error. You start with understanding your baseline. Labs, symptoms, history, and goals all matter. From there, you work with a qualified medical provider who understands how to use peptides properly and can build a protocol around you. Sourcing matters just as much. These should come from reputable, regulated compounding pharmacies. Quality and consistency are critical.
What should people know before getting into peptides?
They are powerful, but they are not a shortcut. With that being said, lifestyle changes and the main foundational pillar of health are still the most important.
They work best when the fundamentals are in place. Sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress all matter. More is not better and precision matters. A lot of what is online is oversimplified or inaccurate. Used correctly, peptides can be incredibly effective. The difference is intention—knowing why you are using them, and using them in a way that actually supports the body rather than overriding it.
With that being said, I want to share a quick note before we go further. Some of the peptides in this guide are FDA-approved and prescribed by licensed providers. Others exist in a grayer area—they’re research-grade compounds that aren’t approved for human use, but are widely used in clinical and wellness settings regardless. I’d strongly recommend consulting with a qualified provider before pursuing any of these, and doing your own due diligence on sourcing. As always, I am not a doctor (obviously), hence why Dr. Leary is here to sign off on the accuracy of the following information. Now, I finally present to you, the ultimate peptide glossary, categorized by intended benefits.
Anti-Aging
Peptides that work at the level of collagen, elastin, and cellular repair to firm, smooth, and regenerate skin, from the inside out.
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
A peptide-copper complex that your body produces naturally—but in much smaller amounts as you age. It signals the skin to repair itself by stimulating collagen and elastin production, reducing inflammation, and supporting wound healing. It shows up in both topical skincare and injectable form, but injectable GHK-Cu delivers it more systemically.
What to expect: Sessions are quick—typically 15–30 minutes for a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection or IV drip. A standard course runs 4–8 weeks. Skin improvements are cumulative, meaning they build gradually and can persist for several months after finishing a cycle.
Good for: Anyone interested in anti-aging from the inside out; people who’ve already maxed out their topical skincare routine
Not for: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals; anyone with copper sensitivity or Wilson’s disease
Epithalon (Epitalon)
A synthetic peptide that’s often called the “longevity peptide” for its proposed ability to activate telomerase—the enzyme that repairs telomeres, which are the protective caps on your DNA that naturally shorten as you get older. Think of telomeres like the plastic tips on shoelaces: when they wear down, things start to fray. Epithalon also appears to regulate melatonin production, which can improve sleep as a secondary benefit.
What to expect: Sessions are quick, 5–10 minutes for a subcutaneous injection or nasal spray. Treatment is done in cycles of 10–20 consecutive days, typically once or twice a year. Research suggests effects can last several months, though long-term human data is still limited.
Good for: Longevity-focused individuals; people interested in cellular aging and sleep regulation
Not for: Anyone looking for immediate, visible results; people with active cancer (telomerase activation is a relevant consideration here)
Recovery + Healing
Peptides that essentially function as a fast-forward button on your body’s repair processes—whether you’re recovering from an injury, a surgery, or super intense activity.
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound)
Probably the most buzzed-about peptide in wellness circles right now. BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in gastric juice (yes, stomach juice—stay with me), and it has notable regenerative properties. It accelerates healing in tendons, ligaments, muscles, and gut tissue, and may also have neuroprotective effects. It’s widely used but not FDA-approved for human use, which means sourcing quality matters enormously.
What to expect: Sessions are quick, 5–10 minutes for a subcutaneous injection near the injury site, or taken orally in capsule form for gut-related use. A typical course runs 4–12 weeks depending on the concern. Healing benefits can be lasting once tissue repair is complete; some people do periodic maintenance cycles.
Good for: Injury recovery (tendons, ligaments, muscle), gut issues like leaky gut or IBS, post-surgical healing
Not for: People with a history of cancer (its growth-promoting properties warrant caution); anyone who can’t verify pharmaceutical-grade sourcing
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
TB-500 is a synthetic version of a protein that’s naturally present in almost every cell in your body and plays a key role in tissue repair. It’s particularly effective at reducing inflammation and promoting healing in soft tissue—muscles, tendons, ligaments—and is often used alongside BPC-157 in what people call the “healing stack.” The two work through different mechanisms but complement each other well.
What to expect: Sessions take 10–15 minutes via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. There’s typically a loading phase of 4–6 weeks followed by a maintenance phase. Benefits tend to persist after the cycle ends, especially when used for injury recovery.
Good for: Soft tissue injuries, chronic inflammation, post-surgical recovery, athletes
Not for: People with a history of cancer; those who cannot confirm research-grade sourcing
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1)
A peptide naturally produced by the thymus gland (the organ responsible for training your immune cells) that acts as a powerful immune modulator. This means it helps regulate immune function rather than simply boosting it. It’s used clinically in some countries to treat chronic infections and certain cancers, and has gained traction in the wellness space for immune optimization, particularly post-illness or post-COVID.
What to expect: Sessions take 5–10 minutes via subcutaneous injection. A typical course involves twice-weekly injections for 6–12 weeks. Immune benefits can persist for several months and many people repeat the protocol seasonally.
Good for: Immune support, post-viral recovery, chronic illness, frequent infections
Not for: People on immunosuppressant drugs (requires medical supervision); those with autoimmune conditions without a provider’s guidance
Weight + Metabolic Health
These are the peptides generating most of the cultural conversation at the moment.
Semaglutide (GLP-1 Receptor Agonist)
You know it as Ozempic or Wegovy. Semaglutide mimics a hormone your gut naturally releases after eating—one that signals to your brain that you’re full, slows down digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar. It was originally developed for type 2 diabetes and is now widely prescribed for weight loss. It’s FDA-approved, which puts it in a different regulatory category than most peptides on this list.
What to expect: Self-administered as a weekly injection (less than 5 minutes). Treatment is ongoing—doses are started low and gradually increased over several months. Weight loss is generally maintained while on the medication; most data suggests weight returns after stopping without sustained lifestyle changes.
Good for: Significant weight loss, blood sugar regulation, people with type 2 diabetes or obesity
Not for: People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2; those with a history of pancreatitis; pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
Tirzepatide (GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonist)
The newer sibling to semaglutide, known commercially as Mounjaro (for diabetes) and Zepbound (for weight loss). The key difference: tirzepatide targets two receptors instead of one, which is thought to produce greater average weight loss. Clinical trials have shown it to be more effective than semaglutide for many people, though individual responses vary. Also FDA-approved.
What to expect: Self-administered as a weekly injection (less than 5 minutes). Like semaglutide, it’s an ongoing protocol with gradual dose titration. The same pattern applies to results: maintained with continued use, with weight regain common after stopping.
Good for: Weight loss, blood sugar regulation, people who haven’t responded sufficiently to semaglutide
Not for: Same contraindications as semaglutide; not recommended for those with severe gastrointestinal conditions
AOD-9604
A fragment of human growth hormone1 that’s been isolated specifically for its fat-burning properties—without the muscle-growth or other hormonal effects that come with full HGH2. It works by stimulating your body to break down stored fat while also inhibiting new fat production. It’s a popular option for people who want metabolic support without taking on the full risk profile of growth hormone therapy.
What to expect: Sessions take 5–10 minutes via subcutaneous injection, typically in the morning. A standard course is about 12 weeks. Results are maintained with diet and exercise; this isn’t a standalone weight loss solution.
Good for: Fat loss support, particularly stubborn or localized fat; people who want metabolic help without full HGH
Not for: Anyone expecting dramatic results without lifestyle changes; those with a history of hormone-sensitive conditions
Performance + Hormones
Peptides that work through growth hormone and reproductive hormone pathways to support muscle, recovery, body composition, and hormonal balance.
Sermorelin
Rather than introducing synthetic growth hormone directly into the body, sermorelin works by signaling your own pituitary gland to produce and release more of its own GH. Think of it as a nudge rather than a replacement. It’s considered a lower-risk entry point into GH optimization and is FDA-approved (though primarily approved for pediatric use; adult use is off-label).
What to expect: Sessions take about 5 minutes via subcutaneous injection, typically administered before bed (when GH is naturally released). A meaningful assessment takes a minimum of 3–6 months, and many people use it in longer ongoing protocols. Benefits in body composition and sleep quality build gradually and taper after stopping.
Good for: Adults with declining GH levels, improved sleep quality, body composition support, recovery
Not for: People with active cancer or pituitary disorders; those already on HGH therapy
Ipamorelin / CJC-1295
These two are almost always used together, so they’re listed as a pair. Ipamorelin signals the pituitary gland to release growth hormone in a clean, targeted pulse. CJC-1295 extends how long that pulse lasts. Together, they produce a more sustained and significant GH release than either would alone—and notably, without the cortisol or prolactin spikes that older GH secretagogues were known for.
What to expect: Sessions take 5 minutes via subcutaneous injection, typically before bed or post-workout. A typical course is 3–6 months, often cycled. Body composition and recovery improvements build over the course of a cycle, with some benefits persisting afterward.
Good for: Muscle building, fat loss, improved recovery, sleep quality, anti-aging
Not for: People with active cancer; those with pituitary or hypothalamic disorders; pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
Kisspeptin-10
A peptide that works upstream of the body’s reproductive hormone axis, meaning it sets off a chain reaction that ultimately triggers the production of testosterone and estrogen. It’s used clinically in reproductive medicine and is gaining traction in the wellness space for hormonal optimization in both men and women, particularly for issues related to low hormone levels or fertility.
What to expect: Sessions take 5–10 minutes via subcutaneous injection. Protocols vary widely and are highly individualized; often used in short diagnostic or therapeutic cycles under medical supervision. Effects are tied to ongoing use in most hormonal protocols.
Good for: Hormonal imbalance, low testosterone, fertility support, libido
Not for: People with hormone-sensitive cancers; anyone not working with a medical provider—this one really does require supervision.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
Originally developed as a tanning agent (it does that too, actually), PT-141 was found to have significant effects on libido and sexual arousal in both men and women. Unlike most treatments for sexual dysfunction, which work on blood flow, PT-141 works centrally—meaning it acts through the nervous system and brain rather than on the body directly. It’s one of the few peptides with documented effects in women specifically.
What to expect: Sessions take 5–10 minutes and are typically self-administered via subcutaneous injection or nasal spray about 1–2 hours before. It’s used on an as-needed basis rather than as a daily protocol. Effects last approximately 6–12 hours.
Good for: Low libido, sexual dysfunction in both men and women
Not for: People with cardiovascular conditions or high blood pressure; those on medications that affect blood pressure
Brain + Mood
Peptides with documented effects on cognition, neuroprotection, anxiety, and mood. A newer but fast-growing area of peptide therapy, and also the one with the thinnest human research on this list, which is worth noting.
Selank
A synthetic peptide developed in Russia, where it’s used clinically as an anti-anxiety medication. It works on the same pathway in the brain as benzodiazepines (think: Xanax) but without the dependency risk or sedation. It has documented effects on reducing anxiety, improving focus, and stabilizing mood, and also appears to have mild memory-enhancing properties.
What to expect: Sessions take 5 minutes via nasal spray or subcutaneous injection. It’s typically used in short cycles of 10–14 days, with breaks, or taken situationally as needed. Cumulative mood benefits have been reported with consistent use; effects per dose are relatively short-acting.
Good for: Anxiety, stress, cognitive clarity, mood stabilization
Not for: People on benzodiazepines or other medications affecting the same brain pathway, without medical guidance; not well-studied in pregnant individuals
Semax
Another Russian-developed peptide, originally created to treat stroke and cognitive decline. Semax works by increasing BDNF—brain-derived neurotrophic factor, essentially a fertilizer for brain cells—which improves focus, memory, and processing speed over time. It also has neuroprotective properties, meaning it may help shield brain cells from damage.
What to expect: Sessions take 5 minutes via nasal spray. Typically used in cycles of 2–4 weeks. Cognitive benefits are reported both during and for some time after a cycle, though long-term human data is limited.
Good for: Cognitive enhancement, focus, memory, neuroprotection, stroke recovery
Not for: People with a history of seizures; those with anxiety that could be exacerbated by stimulating compounds
Dihexa
One of the more potent nootropic peptides on this list, Dihexa was developed at Washington State University and studied for its effects on memory and cognitive function. It works by increasing the activity of a growth factor in the brain that promotes the formation of new synaptic connections (the links between brain cells). It’s still very early-stage in human research, which is why approaching it with extra caution is warranted.
What to expect: Typically administered topically as a transdermal cream or taken orally; session time is minimal. Protocols vary widely, and very low doses are used given its potency. Effects on neural connectivity may be long-lasting—which is part of what makes it interesting and part of why caution is important.
Good for: Cognitive decline, memory, people interested in frontier nootropic therapy
Not for: Anyone not working closely with a knowledgeable provider; people with neurological conditions without specialist input—the human research here is truthfully thin.
Regardless of your plans to inject peptides or not, I hope you enjoyed this thorough explanation of their utility, if only to understand the associated cultural conversation. If you have additional questions on the matter, leave them in the comments and we’ll get Dr. Leary to give us some more answers. If you want to chat with someone about starting your personal peptide journey, checking out Remedy Place is a solid starting point.
Since this is a part of HGH, it was made specifically to isolate HGH's fat metabolism signal while leaving behind the growth and hormonal effects that drive those risks.
Full HGH therapy side effects can be joint and muscle pain, fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, insulin resistance, and in long term use, increased risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular issues.
the real luxury might just be having your basics in order before trying to optimize everything else
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