Beginner Guide

Your First Peptide
Protocol. Done Right.

No gatekeeping. No unnecessarily complex jargon. This is everything you actually need to know to start your first peptide protocol — what to buy, how to reconstitute it, where to inject, and what a realistic first 8 weeks looks like.

Research Use Only

These are research peptides, not FDA-approved pharmaceuticals. Start conservatively. Research your chosen compound thoroughly. If you have medical conditions, consult a physician who understands peptide therapy. The information here is educational.

Best First Peptides (Ranked)

Pick one. Run it for 8 weeks. Learn how your body responds before adding a second compound.

BPC-157

Risk: Low

The ideal first peptide. Extremely well-characterized, impressive safety profile, and the healing effect is felt quickly enough that you actually know it's working. Start here if you have any injury, chronic pain, or gut issues. Zero hormonal involvement.

250 mcg/day SC, 8–12 weeks

CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin

Risk: Low-Moderate

The cleanest GH-boosting combination for beginners. Unlike GHRPs (GHRP-2, GHRP-6), Ipamorelin does not spike cortisol or prolactin — it's GH-selective. Pre-sleep protocol fits naturally into routine. Results are subtle but real: better sleep, better recovery, body composition shift over 8+ weeks.

100 mcg each SC, 30–60 min before sleep

GHK-CU

Risk: Very Low

For anyone with skin, hair, or anti-aging goals. Applied topically or injected subcutaneously. No hormonal effects. No receptor downregulation. The collagen and gene-level effects are well-documented across 40 years of research. A true workhorse compound.

2 mg/day SC or topical serum 2× daily

Selank

Risk: Very Low

If anxiety or sleep quality is the primary issue. Non-habit-forming, no withdrawal, no receptor downregulation. Unlike benzodiazepines, Selank actually improves cognitive function while reducing anxiety. Intranasal or subcutaneous. Most beginners feel it the same day they first use it.

250–500 mcg SC or intranasal, as needed

What You Need to Buy

Bacteriostatic Water

Required for reconstitution. Contains benzyl alcohol which prevents bacterial contamination. Do not use regular water or saline — it won't stay sterile.

Insulin Syringes (29–31 gauge, 0.5mL)

The standard for peptide injection. Short needle, fine gauge, pre-marked in units. 1 unit = 10 mcg (if reconstituted at 1mg/mL). Buy 100ct for a full protocol.

Alcohol Swabs

Wipe the vial septum before every draw and the injection site before every injection. Takes 3 seconds and matters.

How to Reconstitute (Step by Step)

Reconstitution is dissolving the dry peptide powder into bacteriostatic water to make it injectable. It's simpler than it sounds.

Calculate your concentration

Add 2mL BAC water to a 10mg BPC-157 vial → 5mg/mL → 500mcg per 0.1mL (10 units on syringe). Write this on the vial.

Prep the vial

Wipe the rubber septum with an alcohol swab. Let it dry 10 seconds.

Draw BAC water

Use your syringe to draw the calculated volume of bacteriostatic water.

Inject into peptide vial

Angle the needle along the side of the vial. Let the water run down the glass — don't blast it directly onto the powder. This preserves the peptide structure.

Dissolve gently

Slowly rotate the vial. Don't shake it. It will clear in 30–60 seconds. If it doesn't fully dissolve, put it in the fridge for an hour — still normal.

Store correctly

Refrigerate immediately. Label with date. Use within 4–6 weeks. Never freeze reconstituted peptide — it damages the structure.