Peptides: the wellness world’s obsession, miracle or marketing?

They’re in serums, supplements, clinics and whispered about in elite wellness circles.
From Hollywood biohackers to dermatologists and longevity doctors, peptides are everywhere.

But what are peptides really?
And more importantly: which ones are actually proven and which are still experimental?

Let’s separate science from trends. FS style.


First things first: what are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
Think of them as tiny messengers that tell your body what to do.

Depending on the peptide, they can signal your body to:
• Produce more collagen
• Repair muscle or tissue
• Reduce inflammation
• Support hormonal balance
• Improve skin texture and firmness

Your body naturally produces peptides but production declines with age, stress, poor sleep and inflammation. That’s where topical, oral and injectable peptides come in.


The most well-known peptides (Science-backed pros & cons)

1. Collagen peptides

Used for: skin, hair, nails, joints

Proven benefits:
• Improved skin elasticity and hydration
• Reduced joint pain and stiffness
• Supports connective tissue health

Multiple clinical studies show that daily oral collagen peptides improve skin quality after 8–12 weeks.

Cons:
• Results require consistency
• Low-quality products may be ineffective
• Not a replacement for protein intake

Doctor-approved? Yes
Safe long-term? Yes

2. Retatrutide: the next-generation metabolic peptide

Retatrutide is often called the future of weight loss peptides and for a good reason. It acts on three receptors: GLP-1, GIP and glucagon, making it more comprehensive than earlier peptides like semaglutide.

Potential benefits (clinical trials):
• Significant fat loss
• Improved insulin sensitivity
• Reduced appetite
• Possible cardiovascular benefits

Cons & considerations:
• Still in advanced clinical trials
• Not yet approved for general use
• Gastrointestinal side effects possible
• Long-term safety data still emerging

Medical status: Experimental
Use only under supervision


3. DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) for deep, restorative sleep

DSIP has been studied for decades in relation to sleep regulation and stress response.

Potential benefits:
• Improved sleep quality
• Reduced cortisol levels
• Support during chronic stress or burnout

What science says:
Results are mixed, some patients respond very well, others not at all. DSIP appears to work best when sleep issues are stress-related, not lifestyle-induced.

Cons:
• Not a sedative
• Subtle effects
• Individual response varies

Medical status: used in clinical settings
Best for: nervous system regulation, not quick fixes


4. GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) The gold standard in skin regeneration

GHK-Cu is one of the most researched peptides in dermatology and for a good reason.

Proven benefits:
• Stimulates collagen and elastin
• Improves wound healing
• Reduces inflammation
• Supports hair follicle health

Widely used in medical-grade skincare and post-procedure recovery.

Cons:
• Overuse can irritate sensitive skin
• Results require consistency

Medical status: Doctor-approved
Evidence level: Strong

5. NAD⁺ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) The foundation of cellular energy & longevity

While NAD⁺ is technically not a peptide, it’s often discussed alongside peptides in longevity and regenerative medicine and for good reasons.

NAD⁺ is a coenzyme found in every cell, essential for:
• Cellular energy production (mitochondria)
• DNA repair
• Healthy aging processes

Proven benefits (clinical and medical use):
• Improved energy and fatigue reduction
• Support for cognitive clarity and focus
• Plays a role in slowing age-related cellular decline

Levels of NAD⁺ decline significantly after the age of 30.

Cons & considerations:
• IV NAD⁺ can cause temporary nausea or flushing
• Oral precursors (NMN, NR) vary in absorption
• Not a quick fix, benefits build over time

Medical status: Widely used in longevity clinics
Evidence level: Strong
Best for: energy, aging support, cellular health


6. Selank, for calm focus and emotional regulation

Selank is a synthetic peptide derived from thymosin, primarily used for anxiety reduction and nervous system balance without sedation.

Potential benefits:
• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Improved mental clarity and focus
• Support for emotional resilience
• No addictive properties

Often described as calm without dullness.

What science suggests:
Selank influences neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, making it popular in neurological and psychiatric research settings.

Cons:
• Subtle effects
• Requires consistency
• Best used short-term or cyclically

Medical status: Used clinically in parts of Europe
Evidence level: Moderate
Best for: high-performing women under chronic stress


7. Semax, cognitive performance & neuroprotection

Semax is best known for its role in brain health, memory and focus.

Potential benefits:
• Improved concentration and learning
• Neuroprotective properties
• Support during mental fatigue or burnout
• Increased BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)

Originally developed for neurological recovery.

Cons:
• Not a stimulant
• Effects are cognitive, not energetic
• Individual response varies

Medical status: Clinically used in neurology
Evidence level: Moderate
Best for: focus, memory, cognitive longevity


8. MOTS-c, metabolic flexibility & cellular resilience

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide, closely linked to metabolic health and aging.

Potential benefits:
• Improved insulin sensitivity
• Enhanced fat metabolism
• Supports physical endurance
• Cellular stress resistance

Early research suggests MOTS-c mimics some benefits of exercise at the cellular level.

Cons:
• Mostly early-stage human research
• Injectable only
• Long-term data still limited

Medical status: Experimental
Evidence level: Emerging
Best for: metabolic health under medical guidance


9. KPV, the calming peptide for inflammation & gut health

KPV is a short anti-inflammatory peptide often used in gut and skin-related inflammation.

Potential benefits:
• Reduces inflammatory markers
• Supports gut lining integrity
• Calms inflammatory skin conditions

Often used alongside gut-repair protocols.

Cons:
• Works best as part of a broader approach
• Effects are supportive, not dramatic

Medical status: Used in integrative medicine
Evidence level: Moderate
Best for: gut health, inflammatory balance


10. Kisspeptin, hormonal communication & reproductive health

Kisspeptin plays a crucial role in hormonal signaling, particularly involving reproductive hormones.

Potential benefits (clinical use):
• Stimulates natural hormone release
• Supports fertility treatments
• Helps regulate hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis

Used in endocrinology and fertility medicine.

Cons:
• Hormonal manipulation requires bloodwork
• Not intended for lifestyle use
• Injectable and clinical only

Medical status: Clinical & specialist use only
Evidence level: Strong (medical settings)
Best for: fertility & hormonal diagnostics


11. Glow / Klow Peptides, the aesthetic peptide blends

Glow (or Klow) peptides are cosmetic blends, often combining peptides like GHK-Cu with hydration and skin-repair agents.

Potential benefits:
• Improved skin hydration
• Enhanced glow and texture
• Support post-procedure recovery

Important reality check:
These blends are not standardized, effectiveness depends entirely on formulation and quality.

Cons:
• Marketing-driven naming
• Variable results
• Not a medical treatment

Medical status: Cosmetic / aesthetic use
Evidence level: Depends on ingredients
Best for: skin support, not skin transformation

The Risks Nobody Talks About

Let’s be clear peptides are powerful, not innocent.

Potential downsides include:
• Hormonal imbalance if misused
• Unknown long-term effects (especially injectables)
• Contamination from unregulated suppliers
• False marketing claims

If a peptide promises:
instant fat loss
extreme muscle gain
“anti-aging without effort”
it’s a red flag.


FS-approved tips before you try peptides

Start topical or oral before injectable
Choose brands with clinical testing & transparency
Consistency beats intensity
Avoid TikTok protocols
Bloodwork + medical guidance = non-negotiable

Peptides are not shortcuts, they’re support tools.


The FS Verdict

Peptides aren’t magic.
They’re precision wellness.

When used responsibly, peptides can:
support skin health
enhance recovery
slow visible aging

But when misused, they can:
disrupt hormones
drain your wallet
create false expectations

Empowered women don’t chase trends, they choose what’s proven.
That’s very Fempreneur Society.