Ingredient or product comparison
How to Use Peptides for Anti-Aging: Peptide Class Comparison
Before selecting a peptide, understand what each class does and how it's administered. Different peptides target different aspects of aging. Collagen synthesis, cellular repair, metabolic function, immune modulation. This table compares the most researched pep
This source-based comparison does not add ratings or recommend a winner.
- Before selecting a peptide, understand what each class does and how it's administered. Different peptides target different aspects of aging. Collagen synthesis, cellular repair, metabolic function, immune modulation. This table compares the most researched peptide classes used in anti-aging protocols.
- GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
- Stimulates collagen I/III synthesis via copper-dependent lysyl oxidase activation
- 1–2mg/day subcutaneous
- Daily
- 31% increase in dermal thickness at 16 weeks (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024)
- Gold standard for collagen restoration. Most robust clinical data for skin-specific anti-aging
- Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4)
- Signals fibroblast proliferation and ECM remodelling
- 100–200mcg per dose
- 2–3x per week
- 28% reduction in wrinkle depth at 12 weeks (peer-reviewed but smaller sample sizes)
- Effective but slower onset than GHK-Cu. Better for maintenance than reversal
- Thymosin Beta-4 (TB-500)
- Promotes angiogenesis, tissue repair, and anti-inflammatory signalling
- 2–5mg per dose
- 1–2x per week
- Strong wound-healing data; anti-aging applications are extrapolated from tissue repair models
- Indirect anti-aging benefits through enhanced recovery and reduced chronic inflammation
- Growth Hormone Secretagogues (CJC-1295, Ipamorelin)
- Stimulates endogenous GH release from the pituitary
- 100–300mcg per dose (combined)
- 3–5x per week, evening dosing
- Increased IGF-1 levels by 40–60% in healthy adults (endocrinology studies)
- Systemic anti-aging effects (fat loss, muscle retention, skin quality). Not skin-specific
- Epithalon (Epitalon)
- Telomerase activation and circadian regulation
- 5–10mg per cycle (10–20 days)
- Daily during cycle, then 6-month break
- Limited human trials; most data from rodent models showing extended lifespan and telomere lengthening
- Promising but speculative. Human longevity data is not yet established