If you’re into biohacking, longevity or even just trying to stay stronger and sharper as you get older, you’ve probably heard people talking about peptides. They’re being called the next big thing in health optimisation. Used to repair tissue, improve energy, protect the brain, boost the immune system and even stimulate collagen.
While there are not technically supplements in the regulatory sense, many peptides are now being used like supplements and integrated into personal health and longevity routines under guidance.
At BioAge UK, we’re always looking into the science behind the trends. And lately, I’ve been doing a deep dive into peptides, especially the ones now being used as part of personal longevity protocols. Some are backed by solid research. Others are still experimental. But one thing is clear: this category is growing fast.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular peptides being used in the longevity space today, what they do, how they work, and what to know before considering them.
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. But unlike full proteins, these shorter chains act as messengers in the body. They tell cells to switch on certain processes, whether that’s healing, muscle building, metabolic repair or immune function.
Some peptides used in longevity protocols are identical to those naturally produced in the body. Others are synthetic or slightly modified versions, designed to mimic the effects of our own signalling molecules but with improved stability or targeted delivery.
They can be used to enhance what’s already working well or support areas where age has started to create a decline.
12 Popular Peptides for Longevity
Here are twelve peptides currently leading the conversation in the longevity world:
1. BPC-157 – The Body Repair Peptide
- Speeds up tissue regeneration, tendon and ligament repair, and gut healing
- Often used by athletes or those recovering from injury or digestive issues
- Also shows promise in reducing inflammation and protecting the brain
2. MOTS-c – The Mitochondrial Powerhouse
- A peptide produced in the mitochondria that helps regulate metabolism and insulin sensitivity
- Shown to mimic some of the effects of exercise at a cellular level
- May improve energy, fat burning and resilience under metabolic stress
3. GHK-Cu – The Skin and Healing Peptide
- A copper-binding peptide used for skin regeneration and wound healing
- Stimulates collagen and elastin, improves skin texture, and may support hair regrowth
- Often used topically, but also available in injectable form
4. Epithalon – The Telomere Guardian
- A synthetic version of a pineal gland peptide thought to lengthen telomeres
- May help regulate the circadian rhythm, improve sleep and support longevity at the cellular level
- Used in cycles throughout the year as part of anti-ageing protocols
5. Thymosin Alpha-1 – The Immune Regulator
- Supports T-cell production and immune system resilience
- Often used by people with autoimmune conditions or low immune function
- May also help modulate inflammation and reduce biological stress
6. SS-31 (Elamipretide) – The Mitochondrial Protector
- A peptide that targets the inner membrane of the mitochondria, reducing oxidative stress
- Under investigation for its ability to protect against age-related diseases
- Still largely experimental, but showing early promise
7. Humanin – The Brain and Metabolism Supporter
- A mitochondrial-derived peptide linked to improved insulin sensitivity and brain protection
- Found in higher levels in centenarians
- May help protect neurons and regulate the body’s stress response
8. Argireline – The Topical Wrinkle-Reducer
- Known as the “Botox peptide,” Argireline is used to reduce fine lines and expression wrinkles
- Works by inhibiting muscle movement under the skin
- Found in many over-the-counter anti-ageing creams
9. Sermorelin, CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin – The Growth Hormone Support Stack
- These peptides stimulate the body’s natural production of growth hormone
- Used to support fat loss, muscle gain, sleep, skin health and overall recovery
- Often used together as part of a coordinated GH-releasing protocol
10. TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4) – The Mobility Enhancer
- Promotes healing of connective tissue and reduces inflammation
- May improve flexibility, reduce joint pain, and support muscle regeneration
- Often used post-injury or as part of physical performance recovery
11. Cerebrolysin – The Cognitive Optimiser
- A peptide blend originally developed to support brain health and recovery from stroke or trauma
- May enhance focus, memory and neuroplasticity
- Still prescribed in clinical settings in parts of Europe
12. Pinealon – The Age-Defying Brain Peptide
- A synthetic peptide believed to slow down cognitive ageing
- May support telomere health and mental clarity, especially under stress
- Still in early research phases, but gaining attention in biohacking circles
Note: NAD⁺ is often used in the same longevity protocols as peptides, but it’s technically a coenzyme, not a peptide. It can be taken as a supplement, through IV therapy, or via nasal sprays to support energy, metabolism and cellular repair.
So, How Do You Access These?
Peptides fall into a grey area when it comes to regulation. Some like BPC-157, CJC-1295 or Epithalon are available from online supplement providers such as Youth & Earth or Nupex. But many of the more potent or clinically studied ones can only be prescribed by specialists.
To access therapeutic-grade peptides safely and legally in the UK, you usually need to work with a private clinic or functional medicine provider, clinics that specialise in personalised health protocols, longevity, and off-label prescriptions. These services can be expensive, and most peptides are not licensed medications, which means they’re offered off-label. It’s essential to work with a qualified practitioner who understands dosing, safety and how to monitor results over time.
A Special Focus: GLP-1s and the Rise of Microdosing for Longevity
No conversation about peptides would be complete without discussing GLP-1 receptor agonists, especially semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro). These drugs have exploded in popularity due to their weight loss effects, but there’s a growing community of clinicians and biohackers exploring their potential for metabolic health and longevity.
Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s work by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. While their appetite-suppressing effects are well known, their benefits go far beyond weight loss.
Potential longevity benefits include:
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control
- Lower inflammation and oxidative stress
- Cardiovascular protection
- Possible neuroprotective effects
- Rebalancing of the gut–brain signalling axis
There’s now growing interest in microdosing these compounds, not to lose weight, but to support metabolic health and extend health span.
Microdosing refers to using much smaller doses than those used in traditional weight loss protocols. That means no negative side effects, not appetite suppression and no lack of energy to exercise.
There isn’t a one size fits all and that’s why it’s important to work with a clinic that offers and understands micro dosing.
At BioAge UK, we’ve been following this emerging trend and gathering data on how GLP-1s might be used as part of a personalised longevity plan.
While research is still ongoing, the results so far are promising and point to a future where these compounds might be used periodically, rather than permanently, to reset metabolic function.
A Special Focus: GLP-1s and the Rise of Microdosing for Longevity
Peptides are not a magic fix, just like supplements, but they are a powerful new tool in the growing world of longevity science. When combined with the foundations: strength training, nutrient-dense food, good sleep, stress regulation and balanced hormones, they can help you protect what matters most: your energy, your body, your brain and your health span.
If you’re curious about building a personalised longevity protocol, or want to explore how peptides could fit into your overall strategy, we’ll be sharing more soon through BioAge UK.
But as always, start with the basics – that’s where you get your big wins. Throwing money (and right now it would be a very expensive habit) at peptides will never keep you as young as diet, exercise and recovery. But if you have those embedded then peptides could be the sprinkles on the top!