Peptides A–Z

Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) is a widely used anti ageing cosmetic peptide, marketed to soften expression lines. It is often called a topical alternative to muscle relaxing injections. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient.

Melanostatin DM is a peptide used in skincare, marketed to brighten the skin and even out pigmentation. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

Leuphasyl (Pentapeptide-18) is a peptide used in anti ageing skincare, marketed to soften expression lines, often alongside Argireline. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

SNAP-8 is a peptide used in anti ageing skincare, marketed to soften expression lines by relaxing the tiny muscle movements under the skin. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

Vialox (Pentapeptide-3V) is a peptide used in anti ageing skincare, marketed to smooth the skin by relaxing surface muscle movement. Used with no medicinal claims, it is regulated as a cosmetic ingredient. The evidence is modest.

Adamax is a marketed name for a blended product, typically combining the growth hormone peptides CJC-1295 and ipamorelin with the repair peptide BPC-157. None of these is a licensed medicine in the UK, so the blend is not either.

Cerebrolysin is not a single peptide but a mixture of small peptides and amino acids, made by breaking down pig brain protein. It is a licensed medicine for stroke and dementia in some countries, though not the UK, and the evidence for it is mixed.

Dihexa is an experimental compound developed from a fragment of angiotensin IV, studied for memory by encouraging new connections between nerve cells. The evidence is from animals and the laboratory. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

DSIP, delta sleep inducing peptide, is a natural peptide found in the brain, marketed to improve sleep and reduce stress. The evidence for these uses is weak. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Fraternine is an experimental peptide found in the venom of a social wasp, studied for possible effects on nerve cells in Parkinson's disease research. The evidence is preclinical. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

P21, also written P021, is an experimental peptide studied for its effects on the growth and survival of nerve cells, with an eye on conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. The evidence is preclinical. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

PE-22-28 is an experimental peptide studied for fast acting antidepressant effects, by blocking a particular channel in the brain. All the evidence is preclinical. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

PNC-27 is an experimental peptide studied in the laboratory for its ability to kill cancer cells. The research is preclinical, and it is not a treatment. It is not a licensed medicine in the UK.

Selank is a synthetic peptide developed in Russia, where a nasal form is used as a prescription anti anxiety medicine. It is often described as the calming counterpart to Semax, and like Semax it is not licensed in the UK and the independent evidence is limited.

Semax is a synthetic peptide of seven amino acids, based on a fragment of the natural hormone ACTH. It was developed in Russia, where a nasal spray form has been used for years as a medicine for conditions such as stroke recovery. Outside Russia it is sold as a nootropic, and the independent evidence for that use is thin.

VIP, vasoactive intestinal peptide, is a natural signalling peptide involved in blood vessels, the gut and the immune system. A drug form, aviptadil, has been studied for conditions such as lung injury. As sold online it is not a licensed medicine in the UK.