How to Use Peptides
From reconstitution to injection – everything you need to know, step by step.
What You’ll Need
Essential supplies before you begin
Peptide Vial
Your lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptide powder
BAC Water
Bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Insulin Syringes
U-100 syringes (1ml or 0.5ml)
Alcohol Swabs
For sterilising vial tops and injection sites
Reconstitution
Turning the freeze-dried powder into an injectable solution
Clean the Vial Top
Remove the plastic cap from the peptide vial. Swab the rubber stopper with an alcohol wipe and let it air dry for 10 seconds. This prevents contamination when inserting the needle.
Draw Bacteriostatic Water
Using a clean syringe, draw your desired amount of BAC water. Use our peptide calculator to determine the right amount. Common amounts: 1ml or 2ml.
Add Water to the Vial – Slowly
Critical: Insert the needle through the rubber stopper and aim the stream at the glass wall of the vial – NOT directly onto the powder. Release the water slowly, letting it trickle down the side. This preserves the peptide’s molecular structure.
Gently Swirl – Never Shake
Once the water is added, gently swirl the vial between your fingers. Never shake – agitation can damage the peptide bonds and reduce potency. If powder remains, place the vial in the fridge and let it dissolve naturally over 15-30 minutes.
Measuring Your Dose
Getting the right amount every time
Calculate Your Concentration
Your concentration = peptide (mg) ÷ water (ml). For example, 5mg peptide + 2ml water = 2.5mg/ml. Use our calculator for instant results
Convert Dose to Syringe Units
On a U-100 insulin syringe: 100 units = 1ml. If your dose is 0.1ml, that’s 10 units (10 tick marks) on the syringe. The calculator will show you the exact number of units for your desired dose.
Draw from the Vial
Insert the syringe needle into the vial through the rubber stopper. Turn the vial upside down. Pull the plunger to draw your calculated amount. Tap the syringe gently to move any air bubbles to the top, then push the plunger slightly to expel them.
Pro Tip
If you're using a 0.5ml syringe instead of 1ml, the markings are more spaced out, making it easier to measure small doses accurately. Recommended for peptides dosed under 300mcg.
Subcutaneous Injection
Safe, simple, and virtually painless
Choose Your Injection Site
The most common sites are the lower abdomen (2 inches from the navel) or the upper thigh. Rotate injection sites with each dose to prevent tissue irritation.
Clean the Area
Swab the injection site with an alcohol wipe in a circular motion. Allow to air dry for 10 seconds – injecting into wet alcohol can sting.
Pinch and Inject
Gently pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and index finger. Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle into the pinched skin. Push the plunger steadily – don’t rush. Release the pinched skin, then withdraw the needle.
After Injection
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cotton ball if needed. Do not rub the area. Safely dispose of the used syringe in a sharps container. Never reuse syringes.
Storage Guidelines
Protect your investment – proper storage preserves potency
Before Reconstitution
- Refrigerator (2–8°C) is ideal
- Room temperature is OK for short periods
- Avoid direct sunlight and heat
- Can be stored for 12+ months sealed
After Reconstitution
- Must be refrigerated (2–8°C)
- Use within 28 days
- Never freeze reconstituted peptides
- Keep vial upright, away from light
Category-Specific Dosing Guides
Each peptide category has unique dosing considerations
Weight Loss Peptides (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Retatrutide)
Key principle: Always titrate – start low and increase gradually over weeks.
- Semaglutide: Start at 0.25mg weekly. Increase by 0.25mg every 4 weeks. Maintenance: 1–2.4mg/week.
- Tirzepatide: Start at 2.5mg weekly. Increase by 2.5mg every 4 weeks. Maintenance: 5–15mg/week.
- Retatrutide: Start at 1mg weekly. Titrate based on tolerance. Being a triple agonist, expect stronger effects.
- Inject once weekly, same day each week. Subcutaneous in the abdomen.
- Take on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before a meal for best results.
Recovery Peptides (BPC-157, TB-500)
Key principle: Inject near the injury site for localised benefits, or subcutaneously for systemic effects.
- BPC-157: 250-500mcg daily, split into AM/PM doses for sustained healing. 4-8 week cycles.
- TB-500: Loading phase of 2-5mg twice weekly for 4 weeks, then 2mg weekly maintenance.
- The BPC-157 + TB-500 stack is the most popular healing combination.
- For gut healing, inject subcutaneously in the abdominal area.
Anti-Aging Peptides (Epitalon, GHK-Cu, MOTS-c)
Key principle: Cyclical use with rest periods mimics natural peptide release patterns.
- Epitalon: 5-10mg daily for 10–20 day courses, 2–3 times per year.
- GHK-Cu: 1-2mg daily subcutaneously, or topically for skin benefits. 4-8 week cycles.
- MOTS-c: 5-10mg weekly. Works synergistically with regular exercise.
Cognitive Peptides (Semax, Selank)
Key principle: Intranasal administration for rapid CNS delivery.
- Semax: 200-600mcg daily via nasal spray. Effects felt within 15-30 minutes.
- Selank: 200-600mcg daily via nasal spray. Non-sedating anxiolytic.
- Semax + Selank stack provides focus (Semax) + calm (Selank) simultaneously.
- 2–4 week cycles with equal rest periods.
Additional Categories
- DSIP (Sleep): 100–300mcg 30-60 min before bedtime. Subcutaneous. 2-4 week cycles.
- Melanotan II (Tanning): 250-500mcg daily loading for 2-4 weeks, then as needed before UV exposure.
- PT-141 (Sexual Health): 1-2mg as needed, 30-60 min before activity. Do not use more than once per 24 hours.