The Independent
Peptide Encyclopedia.
An evidence-graded peptide reference. Every compound carries a research grade, dosing drawn from published protocols, and links to the primary literature.
Notable Peptides
All 54 compoundshCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
S-gradeAn FDA-approved hormone that mimics LH, restoring the body's own testosterone and sperm production, the label dates to 1962.
Retatrutide
A-gradeAn investigational triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist producing some of the largest average weight reductions reported for a single agent.
BPC-157 + TB-500 Blend
B-gradeA single-vial blend of BPC-157 and TB-500, local plus systemic tissue repair in one convenient injection.
GLOW Blend
B-gradeA copper-peptide-forward single-vial blend pairing GHK-Cu's skin remodeling with BPC-157 and TB-500's tissue-repair support.
Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin Blend
B-gradeA single-vial blend pairing FDA-approved GHRH analog Tesamorelin with the selective ghrelin-agonist Ipamorelin for a combined GH pulse in one injection.
BPC-157
C-gradeA synthetic peptide derived from a gastric protein, used for soft-tissue healing, gut repair, and reducing inflammation.
CJC-1295 (no-DAC) + Ipamorelin Blend
C-gradeA single-vial blend pairing short-acting CJC-1295 (no-DAC) with Ipamorelin for a clean, physiological GH pulse in one shot.
Ipamorelin
C-gradeA selective GH secretagogue (ghrelin mimetic) that raises growth hormone with minimal effect on cortisol or appetite.
KLOW Blend
C-gradeA single-vial 4-peptide blend combining GHK-Cu, KPV, BPC-157, and TB-500, the most comprehensive of the popular research recovery blends.
CJC-1295 (DAC)
D-gradeThe long-acting form of CJC-1295: a DAC tag extends its half-life to days for a sustained growth hormone bleed.
TB-500
D-gradeA synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4 used for systemic recovery, muscle repair, and improved flexibility.
Exenatide
S-gradeThe first-in-class GLP-1 receptor agonist, derived from a peptide found in Gila monster saliva, sold as Byetta and Bydureon.
Liraglutide
S-gradeA once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist, the class predecessor to semaglutide and tirzepatide, still widely prescribed under Victoza and Saxenda.
Orforglipron
S-gradeThe first oral, non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist pill with no food or water restrictions, FDA-approved in 2026 as Foundayo.
PT-141
S-gradeA melanocortin agonist used to enhance sexual desire and arousal in both men and women, acting on the brain rather than vasculature.
Semaglutide
S-gradeA GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite and improves glucose control, widely used for weight loss.
Somatropin (HGH)
S-gradeRecombinant human growth hormone, a 191-amino-acid polypeptide identical to the body's own pituitary GH, sold under brands including Humatrope and Genotropin.
Tesamorelin
S-gradeAn FDA-approved GHRH analog known for reducing stubborn visceral fat and raising IGF-1 levels.
Tirzepatide
S-gradeA dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist offering strong appetite suppression and glucose control, often more potent than semaglutide.
MK-677
A-gradeAn oral ghrelin-receptor agonist that raises growth hormone and IGF-1 around the clock without injections.
Thymosin Alpha-1
A-gradeA 28-amino-acid thymic peptide approved in 35+ countries as Zadaxin for immune support, but never FDA-approved in the United States.
Kisspeptin-10
B-gradeA decapeptide fragment of human kisspeptin, sitting upstream of the entire reproductive hormone axis by triggering GnRH release.
Melanotan I (Afamelanotide)
B-gradeThe only melanotan with FDA approval, cleared as Scenesse in 2019 for a rare disorder where sunlight causes severe skin pain, not for general tanning.
Melanotan II
B-gradeA synthetic melanocortin agonist used to darken skin (tanning), with libido effects and notable safety cautions.
Peptide Science
All articlesWhat is Alpha-GPC Used For? Clinical Efficacy Data
Alpha-GPC is a cognition enhancer evaluated for its impact on measurable psychometric performance in stroke and vascular dementia populations.
Pramiracetam Dosage: Clinical Efficacy and Safety Profile
Pramiracetam is an investigational compound studied for cognitive deficits. Clinical research highlights specific linear pharmacokinetics and dosing models.
Thymosin Alpha-1 Benefits: Immune Modulation vs. Repair
Thymosin alpha-1 is a targeted immunomodulator studied for viral conditions, functioning entirely differently from physical tissue repair compounds.
Is Enclomiphene Better Than TRT? Efficacy and Outcomes
Enclomiphene elevates morning serum testosterone and preserves fertility, but lacks clinical evidence for symptom relief. It is not FDA-approved for human use.
What is Mecasermin Used For? Growth Dynamics & Hypoglycemia
Mecasermin is a recombinant human IGF-1 therapy for severe primary IGF-1 deficiency. It accelerates linear growth but risks severe hypoglycemia.
What Happened to Bimagrumab? Clinical Trials vs Performance
Bimagrumab is an investigational drug that altered body composition in trials but failed to improve functional mobility or physical performance metrics.
Best Peptides For...
All guidesWeight Loss
Compare the most effective peptides for weight loss and fat loss. Evidence-based rankings of semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, and more.
Recovery
Compare the best peptides for injury recovery, tissue repair, and healing. Evidence-based rankings of BPC-157, TB-500, and more.
Muscle Growth
Compare the best peptides for muscle growth, recovery, and body composition. Evidence-based rankings of CJC-1295, ipamorelin, and more.
Anti-Aging
Compare the best anti-aging peptides for longevity, skin health, cognitive function, and cellular repair. Evidence-based rankings.
Skin Health
Compare the best peptides for skin health, anti-aging, collagen production, and wound healing. Evidence-based rankings.
Sleep
Compare the best peptides for sleep quality: DSIP, ipamorelin, CJC-1295, Selank, epithalon. Evidence-based rankings with dosing.
Gut Health
Compare the best peptides for gut health, intestinal permeability, and inflammatory bowel conditions. Evidence-based rankings.
Joint Health
Compare the best peptides for joint health, tendon repair, and connective tissue recovery. Evidence-based rankings.
Cognitive Enhancement
Compare the best nootropic peptides for focus, memory, and neuroprotection. Evidence-based rankings of Semax, Selank, and more.
Hair Growth
Compare the best peptides for hair growth and follicle health. Evidence-based rankings of GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu, and more.
Beginners
The peptides most often started first, ranked by evidence quality and safety profile rather than popularity.
Sexual Health
Compare peptides for libido, arousal, and hormonal support. Evidence-based rankings of PT-141, kisspeptin-10, and more.
Immune Support
Compare peptides for immune modulation and antimicrobial defence. Evidence-based rankings of thymosin alpha-1, LL-37, and more.
Peptide Comparisons
All guidesSemaglutide vs Tirzepatide
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
BPC-157 vs TB-500
BPC-157 vs TB-500: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
CJC-1295 (DAC) vs Ipamorelin
CJC-1295 (DAC) vs Ipamorelin: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
Liraglutide vs Semaglutide
Liraglutide vs Semaglutide: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
Semaglutide vs Retatrutide
Semaglutide vs Retatrutide: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
Sermorelin vs CJC-1295 (DAC)
Sermorelin vs CJC-1295 (DAC): mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
Ipamorelin vs GHRP-6
Ipamorelin vs GHRP-6: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
Selank vs Semax
Selank vs Semax: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
GHK-Cu vs BPC-157
GHK-Cu vs BPC-157: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
BPC-157 vs KPV
BPC-157 vs KPV: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
PT-141 vs Melanotan II
PT-141 vs Melanotan II: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide
Tirzepatide vs Retatrutide: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
GHRP-2 vs GHRP-6
GHRP-2 vs GHRP-6: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
Epithalon vs SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Epithalon vs SS-31 (Elamipretide): mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
Tesamorelin vs Ipamorelin
Tesamorelin vs Ipamorelin: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
Thymosin Alpha-1 vs TB-500
Thymosin Alpha-1 vs TB-500: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
Semaglutide vs Orforglipron
Semaglutide vs Orforglipron: mechanism, dosing, evidence grade, and side effects compared side by side, with citations.
Browse by Category
How we grade evidenceWeight Loss
GLP-1 and metabolic compounds, graded on the trial evidence behind the weight they actually move.
Recovery
Tissue repair, tendon and gut healing compounds, and how much of the evidence is still preclinical.
Performance
Growth hormone secretagogues, GHRH analogs, and hormonal compounds, with the IGF-1 data behind them.
Longevity
Healthspan, mitochondrial, and immune compounds, separated by whether the data is human or rodent.
Aesthetics
Skin, collagen, hair, and pigmentation compounds, and what the dermatology literature shows.
Cognitive
Nootropic and neuroprotective peptides, and the size of the human evidence base.