Peptides are one of the buzziest topics in health and wellness right now—but what exactly are they, why are so many people talking about them, and are they safe? Let’s discuss.

What Are Peptides?

At a basic level, peptides are short chains of amino acids – the building blocks of proteins – and act as messengers in the body. Because they influence hormones, metabolism, tissue repair, and other key systems, peptides have become popular in everything from weight management to skincare. And while some are used topically, the trend now has become injecting these proteins into the body, which means that discussing their safety is crucial.