Peptides are small chains of amino acids — or mini-proteins. Some peptides naturally occur in the body and have different functions for various biological processes. Other peptides are developed in a lab (synthetic peptides) and are used in research, cosmetics, and dietary supplements.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets the legal status of a peptide, and whether or not it's legal depends on the peptide and its intended use, so it's a little tricky to lump peptides into one whole group when it comes to policy.
Which Peptides Are Legal?
Peptides like GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1) are legal for cosmetic use and commonly found in skin care products.
Others, such as BPC-157 and Thymosin Beta-4, are classified as research chemicals and are not FDA-approved for supplements or medications (though you might be able to find them in online shops). Other peptides like Semaglutide are FDA-approved but restricted to prescription use.
GHK-Cu (Copper tripeptide-1)
GHK-Cu is approved as a cosmetic ingredient but not as a drug for ingestion. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide complex with copper that has a strong affinity to skin cells.
The FDA recognizes the benefits of copper peptide in formulations designed to support skin complexion.
You'll find GHK-Cu as an active ingredient in skin care products like serums and creams for mature or acne-prone skin, as the compound supports elastin and collagen production, which are proteins that are integral to the structure of the skin [1].
When it comes to in-clinic treatments, like GHK-Cu injections, we're entering a grey area.
The FDA hasn't approved the use of copper peptides for injectables. Micro-needling with copper peptides is still considered a topical rather than an injection-based treatment.
Although micro-needling involves creating tiny microchannels in the skin with needles, the copper peptide serums applied during the procedure remain on the surface layers and do not enter the bloodstream. This popular cosmetic technique supports skin health by encouraging the body's collagen production. It falls within the scope of FDA-approved uses for copper peptides in skincare.
BPC-157
BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide from a protein found in gastric juice (stomach acid). It's not approved by the FDA as a drug or dietary supplement and is considered a research compound. BPC-157 is being investigated for its applications in tissue regeneration, treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, and other cellular processes that support longevity in animals [2, 3].
Many human studies on BPC-157 have been canceled or stopped without publicly available conclusions, so there's still a lot we don't know about its long-term safety and efficacy.
BPC-157 is classified as an experimental compound and can only be legally purchased by qualified researchers for research purposes — not for human consumption.
Despite these restrictions, some companies market BPC-157 in wellness and anti-aging circles, often targeting athletes or those seeking performance support. However, BPC-157 is prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines, making it illegal for professional sports.
Thymosin Beta-4 (TB4)
Thymosin Beta-4 (TB4) is a naturally occurring peptide found in most mammal cells, where it's involved in regulating cellular activity and encouraging tissue repair. TB4 is typically synthesized chemically or isolated from animal tissues, such as the thymus gland, in research settings.
TB4 is classified as a research chemical in the United States and is not FDA-approved for human use outside clinical studies. TB4 can only be legally purchased by qualified researchers and for research purposes. However, it still lacks long-term human clinical data on its efficacy and safety profile.
There is, however, a synthetic analog of TH4 called TB-500, which has been investigated as a treatment for neurodegenerative conditions like multiple sclerosis, but its use is still largely experimental [4].
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is another trending peptide you may have encountered under the famous drug Ozempic.
Semaglutide is a synthetic peptide that works like a natural hormone called GLP-1, which your body releases after you eat. It helps you feel full, slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, makes your body use insulin better, and affects the parts of your brain linked to cravings and rewards.
Even though this peptide seems like it's everywhere in Hollywood, it's only available with a doctor's prescription. This means you can't legally buy semaglutide as a supplement or over-the-counter. It's typically prescribed to help people with type 2 diabetes or those who need help managing their weight long-term.
Future Developments and Changes in Peptide Legality
As you can see from the four peptides we covered, this group of compounds can have widely varying applications, so it's hard to lump their legal status under one umbrella.
As scientists learn more about peptides, it’s important for everyone — researchers, government agencies, and the public — to talk openly about how they should be used and regulated. With more research and better understanding, the peptide rules might change to be safe, helpful, and accessible to those who can benefit from them.
Resources:
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Pickart, L., & Margolina, A. (2018). Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(7), 1987.
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Vukojević, J., Milavić, M., Perović, D., Ilić, S., Čilić, A. Z., Đuran, N., ... & Sikirić, P. (2022). Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and the central nervous system. Neural Regeneration Research, 17(3), 482-487.
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Klicek, R., Sever, M., Radic, B., Drmic, D., Kocman, I., Zoricic, I., ... & Sikiric, P. (2008). Pentadecapeptide BPC 157, in clinical trials as a therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (PL14736), is effective in the healing of colocutaneous fistulas in rats: role of the nitric oxide-system. Journal of pharmacological sciences, 108(1), 7-17.
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Severa, M., Zhang, J., Giacomini, E., Rizzo, F., Etna, M. P., Cruciani, M., ... & Coccia, E. M. (2019). Thymosins in multiple sclerosis and its experimental models: moving from basic to clinical application. Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 27, 52-60.
