We’ve reached the pinnacle of peptide development. Silicon Valley tech elites share insider information about peptide drugs in China, Upper East Side moms can list off their peptide combinations, and let’s not forget that the “P” in GLP-1 (the appetite suppressant we all can’t resist) also stands for peptide. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can suppress inflammation and regulate hormones, and every day more and more people are excitedly turning into “human pincushions” to experience their supposed benefits.
Or, as depicted in TikTok’s health and wellness sections, these peptides are sprayed into the nasal cavity. “Peptides without injections,” wrote a man who rarely shows his upper body; his account describes itself as “skincare and fitness.” In another video, a man fills a stack of papers at astonishing speed; the video is titled: “Nasal Spray, the Easiest Way to Boost Your Mood.” But are nasal peptides just another TikTok-fueled health scam (remember okra water? Yes.) or a truly viable and ingenious delivery system?
According to Amanda Kahn, MD, a New York-based longevity expert known as the “Peptide Princess,” intranasal administration is indeed a viable drug delivery method; in fact, she says that some peptides simply cannot be injected and can only be administered intranasally. She adds that peptides administered intranasally enter the body differently than injectables: nasal sprays reach the brain directly through the nasal cavity, while injections require blood circulation. The amino acid chains that make up peptides vary in length (a 3-peptide looks very different from a 4-peptide). “If the peptide chain is long, it is typically not administered intranasally because the nasal environment will compromise its integrity,” explains Jamie Gable, MS, PhD, a physician assistant at Manhattan Longevity Clinic +Advitam. “Peptides are generally very fragile, so only a few peptides are really suitable for intranasal administration.”
Selank is one of the most effective intranasal peptides. “It’s a powerful mood enhancer and nootropic designed to improve cognitive function and eliminate brain fog,” says Kahn. She adds that many patients who don’t want to take SSRIs prefer to vaporize Selank daily. “Selank is ideal for anyone looking to improve mental performance, boost emotional health, or get support during stressful situations.” That TikTok influencer who talks about “ascension”? They use Selank (along with MT2; melanotan II, a drug that increases melanin production for darker skin; and Semax, which Gable says is another effective intranasal peptide). Kahn also points to three other effective intranasal peptides: VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide), designed to reduce systemic inflammation, support gut health, and improve brain health and focus; DSIP (delta sleep-inducing peptide), which is said to calm the central nervous system and promote deep sleep; and oxytocin, a well-known molecule that promotes feelings of well-being.
Online, some peptide drug advertisers recommend adding even more acronyms to the names of nasal medications, but despite the abundance of TikTok claims, not everything should be shoved up your nose. BPC-157, a peptide drug most commonly used for wound healing, initially gained notoriety for the so-called “Wolverine complex,” favored by the likes of Joe Rogan. Online, BPC-157 is often referred to as a “nasal peptide.” But Gabel says he has never prescribed intranasal BPC-157 and doesn’t recommend it. “There’s no doubt that injection is the most studied and preferred method of administration,” he adds. PT-141 and GHKCU are two other nasal peptides mentioned online. Gabel says PT-141 shows promise for enhancing libido in both men and women. “It targets melanocortin receptors in the brain, an area associated with sexual arousal,” says Gabel. “It can be administered intranasally, but injections are the gold standard for effectiveness.” The same is true for GHKCU, a peptide that promotes collagen production and reduces inflammation, which, according to Kahn, has attracted significant attention in the skincare industry. “I typically use injections because it has higher bioavailability and is more easily absorbed and distributed in the body,” says Kahn. “But for patients who are afraid of needles, I would rather use a GHK nasal spray than nothing.”
But where people get GHK and other peptides is crucial. As with dietary supplements, peptides are poorly regulated. “It’s practically the Wild West,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a New York City dermatologist. “There are so many unknowns; injecting peptides or putting them in your nose is completely different from applying them to your skin.”
While there are some things you can try at home in the health and wellness world (like okra water), self-medication, purchasing, and mixing substances for injection or inhalation should never be considered DIY. “Despite the popularity of peptides and their ubiquity on social media and the internet, they should be used under the guidance of a trained professional,” Gable said. A similar disclaimer appears at the bottom of a TikTok video about making nasal peptides at home: “This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. I am not a doctor, and nothing in this video should be construed as a recommendation for anyone to use any substance for human consumption. The peptides discussed in the video are sold as research chemicals and are not FDA-approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions.”
Particularly concerning is the source of these drugs. “You can’t prove their effectiveness, and you can’t be sure you’re getting the exact peptide you ordered—that’s the best-case scenario. In the worst-case scenario, that peptide, which hasn’t been tested or verified by a third party, could contain impurities or heavy metals.” Licensed prescribers typically work with specific pharmacies or obtain products directly from manufacturers. Gable notes that some peptides, such as brain protein hydrolysate (a peptide often mentioned online and claimed to improve cognitive function), should never be administered intranasally or otherwise unless they come from the manufacturer. Other peptides, such as melanotan II (a peptide that increases skin pigmentation and which dermatologists like Zeshina warn against), thrive on the gray market, as The New York Times just reported.
Kahn often used the analogy, “Would you pick up a pill on the street and put it in your mouth?” Perhaps unsurprisingly, many people are willing to take such a risk in pursuit of the best results.
When we, as a society, have become accustomed to using dietary supplements promoted by the Kardashians and can buy almost anything on Amazon, it’s easy to see why buying peptide products doesn’t seem so outrageous. But it’s important to remember that, regardless of how these peptide products are taken, most have been unstudied or understudied, so their effectiveness largely remains anecdotal. For some, that’s enough. But if the goal is to optimize health, then purchasing and using products designed to achieve that goal feels like a gamble. As Gable puts it, “You’re hoping these things will help you.”
Are you interested in any specific beauty or health trends? We’d love to hear from you! Please email beauty@vogue.com to connect with Vogue’s senior beauty and health editor.
Subscribe to Vogue’s beauty and health newsletter for exclusive beauty tips.
Are you interested in any beauty or health trends? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact Margo at beauty@vogue.com.
The Vogue Runway app has been updated with new features! Update to the latest version to access all Vogue content, plus new features like the Runway Genius quiz, group chat, and articles published by Vogue writers.
Become a member of Vogue Business, the premier resource for fashion and beauty professionals.
© 2026 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. Vogue may earn a commission on sales made through this website through affiliate agreements with retailers. No content from this website may be copied, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used without the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Advertising Options
Post time: Oct-20-2026