Canada Peptide Guide
Illustration of a peptide chain of amino acids beside a DNA helix, for a Canadian peptide guide
Independent · Canadian · Evidence-first

Peptides in Canada, explained with evidence

A plain-language guide to popular peptides in Canada — including BPC-157, semaglutide, GHK-Cu and collagen peptides. We explain what they are, what they're studied for, and what the research actually shows.

Browse all peptides How we rate evidence

Start here

Peptides for skinCopper peptides, Matrixyl, Argireline and collagen — creams, serums and supplements. Weight-loss and GLP-1 peptidesSemaglutide, tirzepatide and related drugs, and what the trials show. Semaglutide in CanadaOzempic, Wegovy, generics, and the research behind them. BPC-157The most-searched healing peptide, and what the human studies actually show. Collagen peptidesWhat meta-analyses find for skin hydration and elasticity. How we rate evidenceA four-step scale, from cell studies to large randomized trials.

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Your body makes many of them, including hormones like insulin and oxytocin. Some peptide drugs are among the most important medicines in use; many peptides sold online have never been tested properly in people.

People in Canada often search for peptides such as BPC-157, semaglutide, GHK-Cu, TB-500 and collagen peptides. This site explains each one in plain language, with sources, so you can see what the research actually shows.

Amino acids Peptide (a short chain) Protein (long, folded)

Browse by category

Weight loss & GLP-1 peptides illustrationWeight loss & GLP-1GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide are among the best-studied peptides in medicine. Other peptides marketed for fat loss have much thinner evidence.Browse this category Growth hormone peptides illustrationGrowth hormonePeptides and one non-peptide (MK-677) that push the body to release more growth hormone. Human studies are mostly small, and some trials have failed or been stopped.Browse this category Healing & recovery peptides illustrationHealing & recoveryBPC-157 and TB-500 are heavily promoted for injuries. The human evidence is very thin.Browse this category Brain & sleep peptides illustrationBrain & sleepSemax, Selank, Dihexa, Cerebrolysin and DSIP: mostly Russian or animal research, with limited human evidence.Browse this category Skin & cosmetic peptides illustrationSkin & cosmeticCopper peptides, Matrixyl, Argireline and collagen peptides used in creams, serums and oral supplements.Browse this category Sexual health peptides illustrationSexual healthPT-141, melanotan, kisspeptin and oxytocin: from a studied sexual-desire drug to tanning injections with little good evidence.Browse this category Longevity peptides illustrationLongevityEpitalon, MOTS-c, humanin and SS-31: interesting biology, very little human evidence (one US approval for a rare disease).Browse this category Immune peptides illustrationImmuneThymosin alpha-1, LL-37 and KPV: approved abroad, tested in small trials, or only studied in mice.Browse this category

Most searched peptides

BPC-157 peptide illustrationBPC-157BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide promoted online for tendon, ligament, muscle and gut healing. Very limited: almost all animal or cell studiesSemaglutide peptide illustrationSemaglutideSemaglutide is a modified version of the gut hormone GLP-1. Strong: large randomized human trialsTirzepatide peptide illustrationTirzepatideTirzepatide is a single peptide that activates both GIP and GLP-1 hormone receptors. Strong: large randomized human trialsRetatrutide peptide illustrationRetatrutideRetatrutide is a single peptide that activates GIP, GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. Moderate: some randomized human trials, specific uses (still investigational)GHK-Cu and Copper Peptides peptide illustrationGHK-Cu and Copper PeptidesGHK is a tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva and urine; levels decline with age. Topical: limited (cosmetic studies); injectable: very limitedTB-500 and Thymosin Beta-4 peptide illustrationTB-500 and Thymosin Beta-4Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is a natural peptide involved in cell movement and tissue repair. Very limited: almost all animal or cell studies (TB-500); small trials of Tβ4 eye dropsMK-677 (Ibutamoren) peptide illustrationMK-677 (Ibutamoren)Ibutamoren is a small-molecule growth hormone secretagogue taken by mouth; a 2001 trial paper calls it "a nonpeptide… Limited: small or low-quality human studies; one trial stopped for a safety signalEpitalon (Epithalon) peptide illustrationEpitalon (Epithalon)Epitalon (also spelled epithalon) is the tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, synthesized from the composition of epithalamin,… Very limited: almost all animal or cell studiesSemax peptide illustrationSemaxSemax is a 7-amino-acid peptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from ACTH(4-10). Limited: small or low-quality human studies (mostly Russian stroke studies)Collagen Peptides peptide illustrationCollagen PeptidesCollagen peptides are collagen broken down (hydrolyzed) into small peptides, usually from bovine, porcine or marine… Moderate: some randomized human trials, specific uses (skin hydration and elasticity, with bias concerns)PT-141 (Bremelanotide) peptide illustrationPT-141 (Bremelanotide)Bremelanotide (PT-141) activates melanocortin receptors in the brain. Moderate: some randomized human trials, specific uses (small effects)CJC-1295 peptide illustrationCJC-1295CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH designed to last longer in the blood, so the body releases more growth hormone (GH) and… Limited: small or low-quality human studies

How we rate evidence

Every peptide page shows this four-step scale. The more filled bars, the stronger the human evidence.

4/4 · Large randomized trialsBig randomized human trials, reviewed by regulators.
3/4 · Some randomized trialsSome randomized human trials, for specific uses.
2/4 · Small human studiesSmall or lower-quality human studies.
1/4 · Cell & animalAlmost entirely lab-dish or animal studies.

Common questions

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. The body makes many of them, including hormones like insulin and oxytocin. Some peptide drugs are important medicines; many peptides sold online have never been properly tested in people.

Are collagen peptides and cosmetic peptide serums sold in Canada?

Many topical cosmetic peptides, such as GHK-Cu, Matrixyl and Argireline in creams or serums, and some oral collagen peptide supplements, are sold over the counter in Canada. Always check for a natural product number (NPN) on supplements. Injectable 'research' versions of the same names are a different category.

Are peptides legal in Canada?

Peptides authorized by Health Canada, such as insulin, semaglutide and tirzepatide, are legal prescription drugs. Unauthorized peptides such as BPC-157, TB-500 and retatrutide are illegal to sell, advertise or distribute, even when labelled research use only.

See all peptides A–Z Legal status in Canada About & disclaimer

Key sources

  1. Health Canada — Peptides: Overview
  2. Health Canada — Peptides: Regulations and enforcement
  3. Health Canada advisory RA-81874 (Apr 9, 2026): Think twice before injecting peptides bought online
Want more peptide info or have a question? Email us at [email protected].

We share general information only. We cannot give personal medical advice or help you source peptides.