Questions & answers.
Everything you wanted to know about PeptideCompare, research peptides, and how we work.
Is it legal to buy research peptides in the EU?
The legal status of research peptides varies by EU member state. In most EU countries, peptides that are not classified as medicinal products are sold lawfully as research chemicals for in-vitro laboratory use. They are not approved medicines, meaning they cannot be sold for human or animal consumption.
Some compounds — such as Semaglutide, Tirzepatide and HCG — are EMA-approved prescription medicines. Research-grade versions of these compounds exist separately and are intended for laboratory research only, not as substitutes for the approved pharmaceutical.
PeptideCompare has a dedicated EU Legal Guide with a country-by-country overview. Always verify the regulations in your specific member state before ordering.
What is a COA and why does it matter?
A COA (Certificate of Analysis) is a document from an independent laboratory confirming the identity and purity of a compound. A legitimate COA includes the compound name, batch number, purity percentage (typically measured by HPLC), lab name, and test date.
Why it matters: Without a COA, there is no independent verification that what is in the vial is actually the stated compound at the stated purity. Some vendors publish COAs from the Chinese raw material supplier — this is not the same as third-party testing of the finished product.
PeptideCompare only accepts COAs from independent accredited laboratories (e.g. Janoshik, Liquilabs, VLAB, ColmaR). Our COA Guide explains what to look for.
How does the comparison ranking work?
The ranking is calculated from three factors:
Badges (CMI Verified, COA Verified, Product Verified) are displayed as trust indicators but do not affect the ranking score. The algorithm is identical for all suppliers — no paid placement influences the comparison result. Only the data changes the rank.
What do the badges mean?
PeptideCompare uses three verification badges, each earned through independent review:
How often is the price data updated?
Prices are manually verified by checking supplier websites directly. Major suppliers are checked monthly; smaller suppliers approximately every 6–8 weeks. The scan date is shown in the admin metadata.
If you spot an incorrect price, use the contact form to report it. Corrections are applied within 48 hours.
Is PeptideCompare affiliated with any supplier?
No. PeptideCompare is a non-profit independent initiative. No supplier pays to be listed, no supplier pays to influence their ranking, and there is no paid placement of any kind. Only the data — price, purity and verification — determines a supplier’s position.
The platform exists to give researchers a clear, honest picture — and to give suppliers who invest in quality a fair way to stand out.
I am a supplier — how do I get listed?
Listing is free and based on meeting basic quality criteria: a working EU-delivery web shop, at least some publicly available COA documentation, and no credible evidence of product mislabelling. There is no fee to be listed.
To request listing, use the contact form and select "Supplier registration" as the subject. Include your website URL and a brief description of your COA testing process.
How do I reconstitute a peptide?
PeptideCompare has a dedicated Peptide Calculator that calculates the correct volume of bacteriostatic water (or acetic acid water) per peptide and concentration. It also generates a dose reference table.
General rule: most peptides dissolve in bacteriostatic water (BAC water). IGF-family peptides (IGF-1 LR3, IGF-1 DES, PEG-MGF) require acetic acid water (0.6%). Always use sterile technique and store reconstituted peptides refrigerated.