What Peptides Should I Take? A Goal-by-Goal Guide for Researchers
The peptide research space includes over 7,000 known bioactive compounds. The question of where to start is genuinely difficult — and the answer depends almost entirely on what you're trying to understand. This guide maps the most well-documented research peptides to the goals they're most studied for, with notes on experience level, delivery method, and where to source them for research purposes.
All compounds listed here are research peptides, not approved pharmaceutical drugs. This information is for educational use only.
Find your primary research goal in the sections below. Each section lists a first-choice compound and a second choice, explains the mechanism briefly, and notes whether stacking adds value. If you're completely new to peptide research, start with one compound at a time.
Delivery method matters: most peptides require subcutaneous injection after reconstitution with bacteriostatic water. Exceptions — nasal sprays for Semax, GHK-Cu, and others — are noted. See the full reconstitution guide →
First Choice
Source at Base PeptidesThe most-researched recovery peptide available. Animal models show accelerated tendon, ligament, muscle, and gut healing. Works locally at the injury site. Can also be taken orally for gut applications specifically.
Second Choice
Source at Base PeptidesComplements BPC-157 by promoting systemic blood flow and cell migration to injured tissue. Distributes throughout the body from any injection site — useful when the injury is hard to inject near directly.
Stack Note
The combination of BPC-157 + TB-500 is sometimes called the Wolverine Stack and is the most widely discussed recovery protocol in the research community. The two mechanisms are additive rather than redundant.
First Choice
Source at Base PeptidesA selective growth hormone secretagogue with a very clean side-effect profile. Stimulates GH release without significantly raising cortisol or prolactin — the primary concern with older-generation compounds like GHRP-6.
Second Choice
Source at Base PeptidesA GHRH analogue that extends the GH release window. Paired with Ipamorelin (GHRP + GHRH synergy), the combination produces a larger and more sustained GH pulse than either compound alone.
Stack Note
Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 is the standard GH secretagogue pairing. Typically dosed before sleep to align with the natural overnight GH pulse. Joe Rogan has discussed this as part of his personal longevity protocol.
First Choice
Source at Base PeptidesDelta Sleep-Inducing Peptide — endogenous to the human brain and found in highest concentrations during deep sleep. Research has explored its effects on sleep architecture, cortisol normalisation, and stress-related sleep disruption.
Second Choice
Source at Base PeptidesA tetrapeptide that has been studied for telomere lengthening and circadian rhythm regulation. Some research suggests it improves melatonin secretion — useful for age-related sleep disruption.
Stack Note
DSIP alone is the most targeted sleep-focused option. Epitalon is typically used for broader longevity applications where sleep improvement is a secondary effect.
First Choice
Source at Base PeptidesThe most extensively studied longevity peptide. Russian research spanning 30+ years (Khavinson) shows telomere lengthening effects, with some studies reporting reduced all-cause mortality markers and extended lifespan in animal models.
Second Choice
Source at Base PeptidesA naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide that declines with age. Research shows it activates over 4,000 human genes involved in collagen synthesis, antioxidant defence, and tissue repair. Discussed by Dr. Alex Tatem on the Diary of a CEO podcast.
Stack Note
Epitalon + GHK-Cu covers both the systemic (telomere/cellular) and structural (collagen/tissue) dimensions of biological ageing. GHK-Cu can be administered as a nasal spray for a needle-free option.
First Choice
Source at Base PeptidesAmong the most researched peptides for skin quality. Gene expression studies show GHK-Cu upregulates collagen, elastin, and proteoglycan production. Research also shows hair follicle stimulation and reduced pigmentation damage.
Second Choice
Source at Base PeptidesAn anti-inflammatory tripeptide particularly studied for skin and gut conditions. Because it is very small, it is absorbed topically without injection and has been explored for wound healing, psoriasis, and inflammatory skin conditions.
Stack Note
GHK-Cu via nasal spray is available from NasalSprayPeptides.com — allowing systemic copper peptide exposure without injection. KPV can be applied topically or nasally for skin and anti-inflammatory effects.
First Choice
Source at Base PeptidesAn ACTH fragment analogue extensively researched in Russia and Eastern Europe for cognitive enhancement, BDNF upregulation, and neuroprotection. Studies show improved learning, memory consolidation, and attention — used clinically in Russia for stroke rehabilitation.
Second Choice
Source at Base PeptidesA potent hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) agonist studied for synaptogenesis — the formation of new synaptic connections. Described in research as up to ten million times more potent than BDNF in some models of cognitive enhancement.
Stack Note
Semax via nasal spray (available at NasalSprayPeptides.com) is the most accessible cognitive peptide — no injection required and fast CNS uptake via the olfactory route. Dihexa is more advanced and used at very low doses.
- 1Start with one compound. The temptation to stack multiple peptides immediately is understandable, but it makes it impossible to attribute effects — positive or negative — to any specific compound. Start single, observe, then add.
- 2Understand your delivery method before you source anything. Most peptides require subcutaneous injection after reconstitution. If you've never done this, read the reconstitution guide and watch technique videos before you handle the compound.
- 3Source matters enormously. Peptide purity varies widely across suppliers. Look for third-party certificate of analysis (CoA) documentation, mass spectrometry confirmation of sequence identity, and stated purity of 98%+.
- 4The absence of human clinical trials is the rule, not the exception. Almost every peptide in this guide has been tested primarily in animal models. Be honest with yourself about what pre-clinical evidence does and doesn't tell you.
- 5Nothing in this guide constitutes medical advice. If you have an existing health condition, are on medication, or are considering peptide research for a specific therapeutic purpose, discuss this with a knowledgeable medical professional first.
Research compounds only. None of the compounds listed on this page are FDA-approved for human use. All information is educational and intended for research purposes only. Do not use this guide as a substitute for medical advice.
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