Beginner's Guide to Peptides: How to Get Started in 2026

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — typically between 2 and 50 amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Your body naturally produces thousands of peptides that regulate essential functions: insulin controls blood sugar, endorphins manage pain, and GLP-1 regulates appetite. Synthetic peptides used in research are designed to mimic or enhance these natural signaling molecules.

The key distinction between peptides and other compounds:

• Peptides vs. proteins: Peptides are smaller (2-50 amino acids) while proteins are larger (50+). This smaller size allows peptides to target specific receptors with precision.
• Peptides vs. steroids: Peptides work through the body's own signaling systems. Anabolic steroids directly override hormonal pathways. Peptides are not controlled substances, and they carry a fundamentally different risk profile.
• Peptides vs. supplements: While collagen peptides are sold as supplements, therapeutic peptides are more targeted — they bind specific receptors and produce measurable biological effects at microgram-level doses.

For a deeper dive into peptide science, classification, and how they work at the molecular level, see our comprehensive guide: What Are Peptides?

The best peptide for you depends entirely on your goals. Rather than chasing what's trending online, start by identifying what you actually want to achieve. Here's a goal-based framework:

Weight Management & Metabolic Health

If your primary goal is fat loss, appetite regulation, or improving metabolic markers, GLP-1 receptor agonists are the most evidence-backed option. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are FDA-approved with clinical trial data showing 15-25% body weight reduction. These require a prescription. For research-grade options, AOD-9604 is studied for its lipolytic properties without affecting blood sugar.

Explore our full breakdown: Best Peptides for Weight Loss | Fat Loss Guide

Injury Recovery & Healing

For tendon, ligament, joint, or gut healing, BPC-157 and TB-500 are the most researched compounds. BPC-157 has over 100 published animal studies demonstrating tissue repair through growth factor modulation and angiogenesis. TB-500 supports healing through actin regulation and cell migration.

Explore our full breakdown: Best Peptides for Healing | Joint Health Guide

Muscle Growth & Body Composition

Growth hormone secretagogues like sermorelin, ipamorelin, and CJC-1295 stimulate your body's natural growth hormone production. They support lean mass, recovery, and body composition without introducing exogenous GH. Tesamorelin is the only FDA-approved option in this class.

Explore our full breakdown: Best Peptides for Muscle Growth

Anti-Aging & Skin Health

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide that modulates over 4,000 genes involved in tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and inflammation reduction. It's available in both topical and injectable forms. Epitalon is researched for telomere-related aging pathways.

Explore our full breakdown: Best Peptides for Anti-Aging | Skin Health Guide

Cognitive Enhancement

Semax and Selank are synthetic analogs of brain-derived peptides, researched for neuroprotection, focus, and anxiolytic effects. Both are approved medications in Russia and administered intranasally — no injections required.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Take our Peptide Finder Quiz — it matches compounds to your specific goals, experience level, and preferences in under 2 minutes.

Not all peptides are equally suited for beginners. The compounds below were selected based on three criteria: strength of research evidence, favorable safety profile, and practical ease of use.

1. BPC-157 — Best for Healing & Recovery

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is derived from a protective protein naturally found in human gastric juice. It has over 100 published studies demonstrating tissue repair across tendons, ligaments, muscle, gut lining, and nervous tissue. It works by upregulating growth factors like VEGF and promoting angiogenesis.

• Why it's beginner-friendly: Well-tolerated in research, minimal reported side effects, available in both injectable and oral forms
• Typical research dose: 250-500 mcg/day subcutaneously
• Cycle length: 4-8 weeks
• Best for: Joint injuries, tendon repair, gut healing, general recovery

Learn more: BPC-157 Hub | BPC-157 Dosage Guide

2. GHK-Cu — Best for Anti-Aging & Skin

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide that your body already produces — levels simply decline with age. It modulates approximately 4,000 genes involved in tissue remodeling, collagen production, and antioxidant defense. Topical forms have a long history of safe cosmetic use.

• Why it's beginner-friendly: Naturally occurring, available as topical serum (no injection needed), extensive safety data
• Typical research dose: 1-2 mg/day injectable, or topical application 1-2x daily
• Cycle length: 4-12 weeks injectable; ongoing for topical
• Best for: Skin quality, wound healing, hair growth, anti-aging

Learn more: GHK-Cu Hub | GHK-Cu Benefits

3. Sermorelin — Best GH Secretagogue for Beginners

Sermorelin is a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that stimulates your pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone naturally. Unlike exogenous GH, it preserves the body's feedback loops, meaning your body still regulates how much GH is actually released.

• Why it's beginner-friendly: Previously FDA-approved (for GH deficiency diagnostics), well-studied safety profile, works with natural feedback loops
• Typical research dose: 200-300 mcg before bed
• Cycle length: 8-12 weeks, often cycled 3 months on / 1 month off
• Best for: Sleep quality, recovery, body composition, anti-aging

Learn more: Sermorelin Hub | Sermorelin Dosage Guide

4. Semaglutide / Tirzepatide — Best for Weight Management (Prescription)

Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) are FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists with the strongest clinical evidence of any peptides. They reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin sensitivity. Tirzepatide's dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism has shown up to 22.5% body weight reduction in trials.

• Why they're beginner-friendly: FDA-approved, prescribed by physicians, come in pre-filled injection pens, extensive safety monitoring
• Typical dose: Semaglutide 0.25 mg/week starting, tirzepatide 2.5 mg/week starting (physician-directed titration)
• Best for: Obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic health

Learn more: Tirzepatide Hub | Semaglutide Hub | Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide Comparison

5. Semax — Best Nootropic Peptide

Semax is a synthetic analog of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 4-10), researched for cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and BDNF upregulation. It's administered as a nasal spray — no reconstitution or injection required — making it one of the most accessible peptides for newcomers.

• Why it's beginner-friendly: Nasal spray administration, approved medication in Russia, no injection needed, rapid onset
• Typical research dose: 200-600 mcg intranasally, 1-2x daily
• Cycle length: 10-20 days on, 10 days off
• Best for: Focus, mental clarity, cognitive performance, neuroprotection

Learn more: Semax Hub | Semax Benefits

6. TB-500 — Best for Systemic Recovery

TB-500 is a synthetic version of thymosin beta-4, an endogenous peptide involved in cell migration, blood vessel formation, and tissue repair. It's often paired with BPC-157 for synergistic healing effects, but works well as a standalone compound for systemic recovery.

• Why it's beginner-friendly: Based on a naturally occurring peptide, typically dosed only 2x per week, well-tolerated in research
• Typical research dose: 2-5 mg twice weekly (loading), then 2 mg twice weekly (maintenance)
• Cycle length: 4-8 weeks
• Best for: Muscle recovery, wound healing, flexibility, systemic tissue repair

Learn more: TB-500 Hub | BPC-157 vs TB-500 Comparison

Dosing peptides correctly is critical for both safety and effectiveness. Unlike supplements where doses are measured in milligrams or grams, most peptides are dosed in micrograms (mcg) — one-thousandth of a milligram. Precision matters.

Routes of Administration

• Subcutaneous injection: The most common route for most peptides. Injected into the fatty tissue of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm using an insulin syringe. It sounds intimidating, but the needles are extremely thin (29-31 gauge) and the injection is virtually painless.
• Intranasal: Used for nootropic peptides like semax and selank. Applied as a nasal spray. No needles required.
• Topical: Used for cosmetic peptides like GHK-Cu serums. Applied directly to the skin.
• Oral: Some peptides like BPC-157 and collagen peptides can be taken orally, though bioavailability is generally lower than injection.

Reconstitution Basics

Most injectable peptides come as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use. The process involves:

1. Adding a measured amount of bacteriostatic water to the peptide vial
2. Gently swirling (never shaking) to dissolve the powder
3. Calculating the concentration per unit on your insulin syringe
4. Storing the reconstituted peptide in the refrigerator

This sounds complicated, but it's straightforward once you've done it once. We have detailed step-by-step guides with photos:

• How to Reconstitute Peptides — Complete walkthrough
• Peptide Reconstitution Calculator — Auto-calculates your syringe markings based on peptide amount and water volume
• Bacteriostatic Water Calculator — Determines how much water to add

Key Dosing Principles for Beginners

• Start low: Always begin at the lower end of the researched dose range. You can increase gradually based on tolerance.
• One compound at a time: Don't start multiple peptides simultaneously. Introduce one compound, assess your response over 1-2 weeks, then consider adding a second if needed.
• Timing matters: GH secretagogues are typically administered before bed on an empty stomach (GH is released primarily during sleep). BPC-157 is often dosed near the injury site. GLP-1 agonists are once-weekly.
• Cycle appropriately: Most peptides are used for defined periods (4-12 weeks) with rest periods, not indefinitely. Follow the researched cycling protocols for each compound.

For compound-specific dosing, see our Peptide Dosage Guide or visit any individual compound page for its dedicated dosage section.

Understanding the safety profile of peptides requires distinguishing between two categories: FDA-approved peptides with extensive clinical trial data, and research peptides with primarily preclinical (animal) evidence.

FDA-Approved Peptides

Compounds like semaglutide, tirzepatide, and tesamorelin have been tested in clinical trials with thousands of participants. Their side effect profiles are well-characterized:

• GLP-1 agonists: nausea (common initially, typically subsides), diarrhea, constipation, rare risk of pancreatitis
• GHRH analogs: injection site reactions, joint pain, mild water retention

Research Peptides

Compounds like BPC-157, TB-500, and GHK-Cu have strong preclinical data but limited controlled human trials. This doesn't mean they're unsafe — it means the evidence standard is different. Many are derived from or identical to peptides the body naturally produces.

The biggest risk with research peptides is not the peptide itself but product quality. Contaminated, mislabeled, or degraded peptides from unreliable sources are more dangerous than properly sourced compounds.

Safety Rules for Beginners

1. Get baseline bloodwork: Before starting any peptide, get a basic metabolic panel, CBC, IGF-1, fasting glucose, and liver/kidney function tests. This gives you a baseline to compare against.
2. Consult a healthcare provider: Ideally one familiar with peptide therapy. They can identify contraindications specific to your health history.
3. Source from reputable suppliers: Only purchase from vendors providing third-party certificates of analysis (COAs) with HPLC purity testing (>98%) and mass spectrometry identity verification.
4. Use sterile technique: Follow proper reconstitution and injection protocols. Use alcohol swabs, new syringes each injection, and clean hands.
5. Monitor your response: Track any side effects in a journal. Discontinue immediately if you experience unexpected adverse reactions.
6. Know when NOT to use peptides: Peptides are generally contraindicated during pregnancy, with active cancer, and in individuals under 18. Some classes have specific contraindications (GLP-1 agonists with personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma).

For a comprehensive safety overview, read our dedicated guides: Are Peptides Safe? and Peptide Side Effects Guide.

The legal status of peptides is nuanced and depends on the specific compound and your jurisdiction.

In the United States

• FDA-approved peptides (semaglutide, tirzepatide, tesamorelin) are legal with a valid prescription. Using them without a prescription is illegal.
• Research peptides (BPC-157, GHK-Cu, TB-500, sermorelin, ipamorelin) are legal to purchase for research and laboratory purposes. They are sold with "not for human consumption" labels and are not FDA-approved for therapeutic use.
• Compounding restrictions: The FDA's 2024 Category 2 decision restricted compounding pharmacies from preparing certain peptides (including BPC-157 and AOD-9604), though research suppliers continue to sell them for research purposes.

Key Points for Beginners

• Possession of research peptides for personal research is not criminalized in the US — enforcement targets sellers making unapproved health claims
• Peptides are NOT classified as controlled substances by the DEA (unlike anabolic steroids, which are Schedule III)
• If you are a competitive athlete, be aware that WADA prohibits most GH secretagogues and peptide hormones in competition
• International laws vary significantly — Australia is particularly strict, while Russia has some peptides (semax, selank) available as approved medications

For a complete legal breakdown by jurisdiction, see our Are Peptides Legal? guide.

Peptide costs vary widely depending on the compound, source, and whether you're using FDA-approved or research-grade products.

FDA-Approved Peptides (Prescription)

• Semaglutide (Wegovy): $1,000-1,400/month without insurance; some insurance plans cover it for obesity
• Tirzepatide (Zepbound): $1,000-1,200/month without insurance
• Tesamorelin (Egrifta): $1,500-2,000/month; typically covered for HIV-lipodystrophy indication
• Compounded versions: When available, compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide run $200-500/month through telehealth clinics

Research Peptides

• BPC-157: $40-80 per 5mg vial (approximately 10-20 days supply)
• GHK-Cu: $30-60 per vial; topical serums $30-80
• Sermorelin: $50-100 per 2-5mg vial
• TB-500: $50-90 per 5mg vial
• Semax: $30-60 per nasal spray bottle

Additional Supplies

Budget for: bacteriostatic water ($8-15), insulin syringes ($10-15 per box of 100), alcohol swabs ($5-10), and proper storage containers. Total ancillary costs are typically $30-50 to get started.

Use our Peptide Calculator to figure out exactly how many vials you'll need for your planned protocol length.

Ready to begin? Follow this step-by-step checklist to start safely and methodically.

Week 1: Research & Preparation

• ☐ Define your goal. What specific outcome are you after? Weight loss, healing an injury, better sleep, cognitive enhancement? Your goal determines your compound. Use the Peptide Finder Quiz if unsure.
• ☐ Read the compound page. Visit the hub page for your chosen peptide (e.g., BPC-157, sermorelin) and read the dosage, benefits, and side effects subpages.
• ☐ Consult a healthcare provider. Discuss your plan and any contraindications based on your health history.
• ☐ Get baseline bloodwork. Basic metabolic panel, CBC, IGF-1, fasting glucose, liver enzymes, kidney function.

Week 2: Sourcing & Supplies

• ☐ Source your peptide. For research peptides, choose a supplier that provides third-party COAs with >98% HPLC purity. For prescription peptides, work through your physician or a licensed telehealth provider.
• ☐ Order supplies. Bacteriostatic water, insulin syringes (29-31 gauge), alcohol swabs, and a sharps container for needle disposal.
• ☐ Read the practical guides. Review How to Reconstitute Peptides, How to Inject Peptides, and How to Store Peptides.
• ☐ Use the calculator. Input your peptide amount and bacteriostatic water volume into the Peptide Calculator to know your exact syringe markings.

Week 3-4: Start Your Protocol

• ☐ Reconstitute your peptide. Follow the step-by-step guide. Gently swirl — never shake. Store reconstituted vials in the refrigerator.
• ☐ Start at the lowest dose. Begin at the lower end of the researched range and assess tolerance for 5-7 days before considering any increase.
• ☐ Track your response. Keep a simple log: date, dose, injection site, any side effects, and subjective notes on how you feel.
• ☐ Maintain sterile technique. New syringe every injection. Alcohol swab the vial stopper. Clean hands.
• ☐ Don't add a second compound yet. Run your first peptide solo for at least 2 weeks so you can attribute any effects (positive or negative) to that single compound.

After Week 4: Evaluate & Adjust

• ☐ Assess results. Are you seeing the expected effects? Any side effects? Refer back to the compound page to compare your experience with typical research outcomes.
• ☐ Consider follow-up bloodwork. Especially if using GH secretagogues (check IGF-1) or GLP-1 agonists (check metabolic markers).
• ☐ Decide on next steps. Continue at current dose, adjust dose, add a complementary compound via a peptide stack, or conclude your cycle.