Peptides 101
What's a 10/10 for me, and what might be placebo.
You’ve probably seen the word “peptide” everywhere. It’s in glazed donut lip treatments and serums from brands like Rhode, but it’s also showing up on podcasts in conversations about wellness stacks. Honestly, I have been to so many panels and read so much about the topic, and it kind of took me a long time to understand what it actually means. I was explaining them to my girlfriend the other day (I sort of wish I recorded the conversation and transcribed it lol) and thought, I should probably write a newsletter about this. So I’m going to attempt to break it down a bit.
First, what are peptides?!?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. They act as messengers in the body and tell your cells to produce collagen, repair tissue, calm inflammation, support hormone signaling, and help with immune responses. People are taking peptides for a variety of reasons: immunity boost, faster metabolism, glowing skin, etc.
Why are peptides becoming popular?
Easy: the booming market that is longevity wellness. We know that wellness is set to hit $9 trillion by 2028. The longevity sector within the wellness category is all about extending healthspan, and the idea behind longevity companies like Hone is to look at the body from a cellular level, using bloodwork to optimize for a person’s specific needs.
There are three main peptides forms: Topical, Injectable, Nasal
Topical Peptides: These show up in serums and lip treatments (like Rhode). They work at the surface level and are more about improved texture, collagen support, and barrier repair. Not necessarily healing from the inside out. This is more low-stakes and rooted in things like skincare. The common ones you’ve probably already used:
Matrixyl (collagen support)
Argireline (sometimes called “Botox in a bottle”)
Copper peptides (like GHK-Cu in skincare)
Injectable / Systemic Peptides: These are used under medical supervision and are often uses for hormone “balancing” and broader longevity goals.
Since this is supposed to be a 101 guide, here’s a very surface-level breakdown of the main injectable peptides you’ve probably heard about:
When people talk about the“glow stack,” they’re usually referring to peptides like GHK-Cu, which is geared toward skin rejuvenation, collagen synthesis, and tissue repair. It’s often mentioned alongside BPC-157 and TB-500, which come up in conversations around recovery, inflammation, and gut or tissue healing. This what I’ve personally tried (more on that later).
In deeper longevity circles, you’ll hear about Epitalon, MOTS-c (linked to mitochondrial and metabolic function), and FOXO4-DRI. On the immune side, there’s Thymosin Alpha-1 for immune modulation and LL-37. PT-141 (Bremelanotide) lives in the sexual health convo.
Nasal peptides
Nasal peptides are absorbed through the nasal mucosa and can cross the blood-brain barrier, which is why they show up more often in cognitive and mood benefits. The two most commonly mentioned Semax and Selank (more on those later). For a lot of people, they feel more accessible because they don’t require injections—though they are still systemic and not cosmetic. It’s definitely more convenient. I’m not personally squeamish with needles because I went through IVF but still, would prefer to not use a needle if I don’t need to lol. This Vogue article by Fiorella Valdesolo is great and does a good job explaining when it can (and can’t) work.
Why they’re referred to as “stacks”
People don’t usually take a single peptide and call it a day. One might support collagen production, another might help with inflammation, another with recovery or metabolic function, and they have to be strategically combined… hence why they’re called stacks. You’re stacking one on top of the other. And the “stack” you’re advised to take is built specifically on your needs.
My personal experience with peptides
I was prescribed peptides by my doctor, who I connected with via the Hone Health portal. Right now, I’m using two nasal spray peptides: SEMAX and Selank (sometimes written as C-Max and C-Link). Both are for focus and brain function but in slightly different ways. SEMAX feels more like pure focus and productivity and Selank helps take the edge off anxiety. I switch between the two depending on the day. I take a nasal spray daily, but alternate which one I use. A big part of what makes me unproductive is feeling overwhelmed, so having something that supports calm focus has been really helpful.
In addition to that, I take NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) about three times a week. I take 25 units (there are 100 units in the syringe) and I use about a quarter each time. I use NR more for cellular repair and energy support. I also take GHK, though I haven’t taken it consistently in the last three or four months. I’m planning to start again. I use GHK primarily for skin texture and elasticity.
One thing about peptides is that you can build a “stack” and run it for a few months, then switch things up. You don’t necessarily have to take everything continuously forever. I approach it a bit like skincare cycling. You can layer peptides intentionally for a few months and then rotate.
So right now, my approach looks like:
Nasal spray peptides for productivity and focus
NR for cellular repair and energy
GHK for skin support (currently getting back into this one)
A 10/10 for me: I’ve genuinely found the nasal sprays to be extremely helpful for productivity. Before, I would start a task and get distracted almost immediately. I feel much more able to stay on track and actually finish what I start now. Big win! And no needles required.
A maybe, not sure if it was tretinoin: With GHK, I did noticed real improvements in skin texture and elasticity and my skin looked better than it has in a while. That said, I also started tretinoin once a week, so I can’t attribute everything to GHK alone. It’s probably a combination.
Also a maybe, could probably do without: NR feels more subtle but I do feel like my energy has improved. That said, I’m also very diligent about vitamin D, which has definitely helped my energy overall.
One thing I’ll say is that peptides are not instant gratification (unfortunately). Topical peptides can take a few weeks to show visible changes in texture or firmness because collagen production isn’t overnight, like any other skincare product. But injectable peptides vary a lot depending on what they’re targeting. Some people report feeling a difference within a few weeks, so if you’re expecting Botox-level immediacy, you’ll probably be disappointed. This really varies on the individual.
Further reading!
Peptides are a dense and complicated topic and I recommend reading the below articles, they’re excellent:
Vogue: People Aren’t Just Injecting Peptides—They’re Snorting Them, Too
Harper’s Bazaar: Everyone Is Injecting Peptides. But What Do They Even Do?
Allure: How Peptides Ingredient Help Build Collagen for Firmer Skin
Elle: Meet New York’s ‘Peptide Princess’ and the Wellness Shots Taking Over Luxury Fridges
what's a good brand to look into? thank you for this!
Yes! We need this!