Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Most questions are answered below, grouped by topic. For anything not covered here, contact us — we respond within one business day.
Products & Quality
What are research peptides?
Research peptides are synthetic peptides — short chains of amino acids — manufactured for use in laboratory research applications. They are studied across academic, preclinical, and translational research settings to investigate biological pathways, receptor signalling, metabolic mechanisms, and other physiological processes. Our research compounds are supplied strictly for laboratory research purposes and are not intended for human or veterinary use.
How do you verify product quality?
Every batch is independently tested using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for purity analysis and mass spectrometry (MS) for confirmation of peptide identity. Both tests are performed by UK-based laboratories. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is generated for each batch and is available with every product.
What does HPLC purity mean?
High-performance liquid chromatography separates the components of a sample by passing it through a chromatographic column. The resulting analysis identifies the percentage of the target peptide relative to any impurities. A purity of ≥98% — the typical specification for our products — means at least 98% of the analysed sample is the target peptide, with less than 2% impurities.
What does mass spectrometry verification confirm?
Mass spectrometry measures the molecular mass of the peptide and compares it against the theoretical mass calculated from the amino acid sequence. A match confirms that the manufactured peptide has the expected sequence and structure. This is the standard analytical method for confirming peptide identity in research-grade supply chains.
What information does a Certificate of Analysis include?
Each COA includes: batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date, peptide identity (sequence), molecular formula, theoretical and observed mass, purity percentage (HPLC), peptide content, water content, and analytical methodology. The COA is your record of what was tested and confirmed for that specific batch.
Do all your products come with a COA?
Yes. Every product is supplied with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. COAs are available on the relevant product pages and accompany every order.
Ordering & Account
Do I need an account to order?
You can browse our catalogue freely. At checkout you will be asked to provide your details and confirm that you are purchasing for research purposes only and are 18 years of age or older.
How do I track my order?
Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a tracking number by email. Please allow up to 24 hours for tracking information to update after dispatch.
Can I amend or cancel an order after placing it?
Orders placed before our 3pm cut-off are dispatched the same business day, so the window to amend or cancel is short. If you need to change or cancel an order, contact us by email as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate before dispatch. Once an order has been dispatched, it cannot be cancelled or amended, and our Returns Policy applies.
Do you offer bulk or wholesale pricing for research institutions?
Yes, we work with research institutions and laboratories that require larger volumes. Please contact us with your requirements and we will provide a quotation.
Shipping & Delivery
Where do you ship to?
We ship to addresses within the United Kingdom only. We do not ship internationally at this time.
How long does delivery take?
Orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same business day. Delivery typically takes 2–4 business days via tracked courier, depending on location and service. Full details are on our Shipping Policy page.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is free on orders of £100 and over. Orders under £100 are charged a flat £5.99. Shipping cost is calculated automatically at checkout.
How is the order packaged?
All orders are shipped in discreet, plain packaging with no external indication of the product type. Inside, products are packed securely with thermal protection where appropriate to maintain temperature stability during transit.
What courier do you use?
We use a range of reputable tracked UK courier services, including Royal Mail, Evri, and DPD, selected based on your order and location. Tracking information is sent to you by email once your order is dispatched.
What happens if my order is delayed or damaged?
If your order is delayed beyond the expected delivery window, please contact us with your order number so we can investigate with the courier. If your order arrives damaged, report it within 48 hours of delivery with photographic evidence — see our Returns Policy for the full process.
Payment & Security
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major debit and credit cards through our secure checkout. Available payment methods are displayed at checkout.
Is your checkout secure?
Yes. Our checkout uses TLS encryption and PCI-compliant payment processing. We do not handle or store card data ourselves — payment is processed directly by our payment provider.
Do you store payment information?
No. We do not store card data on our servers. Card information is handled exclusively by our PCI-compliant payment processor and is tokenised if you choose to save a payment method.
Research Use & Compliance
Can I purchase if I'm not affiliated with a research institution?
Yes. Both independent and institutional researchers can purchase our products. By placing an order, you confirm that the products are for laboratory research purposes only and are not intended for human or veterinary administration.
Are your products suitable for human use?
No. All compounds supplied by Key Peptides are sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes. They are not licensed medicines and are not intended for human or veterinary use, internal or external. Purchase confirms acknowledgement of these terms. See our full Disclaimer.
Do I need a licence to purchase research peptides in the UK?
Research peptides supplied for laboratory research use do not require a specific licence under current UK regulations for the general purchase of research compounds. We comply with all applicable UK regulations covering the supply of research materials.
Are you regulated by the MHRA?
The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) regulates licensed medicines. The research compounds we supply are not licensed medicines and are not supplied for therapeutic use, and therefore fall outside the MHRA's medicines licensing framework. We comply with all applicable UK regulations covering the supply of research compounds.
What is your refund and return policy?
Due to the nature of research chemicals, all sales are final and we do not accept returns for change of mind or buyer error. Refunds or replacements are issued only where a product is damaged in transit (reported within 48 hours with photographic evidence), where we have shipped the wrong product, or where a product fails its stated specification on independent verification. Full details are on our Returns Policy page.
Storage & Handling
How should I store unopened products?
Most products are best stored refrigerated at 2-8°C. Lyophilised (freeze-dried) products may be stored frozen for extended periods. Specific storage guidance is provided on each product page. Protect all products from light and avoid temperatures above 25°C.
How should I store reconstituted peptides?
After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, refrigerated storage at 2-8°C is standard. Most reconstituted peptides remain stable for approximately 28-30 days when properly stored, though this varies by compound. Always check appearance before use and discard if cloudy or discoloured.
What is bacteriostatic water and why is it used?
Bacteriostatic water for injection (BAC water) is sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The benzyl alcohol inhibits bacterial growth, allowing the reconstituted solution to be used over a longer period than would be possible with sterile water alone. BAC water is the standard reconstitution solvent for lyophilised research peptides.
How long does a reconstituted vial last?
Typically 28-30 days when stored refrigerated at 2-8°C and protected from light. Some compounds have shorter or longer post-reconstitution stability — refer to the specific product page for guidance.
Can products be shipped at non-refrigerated temperatures?
Most lyophilised research peptides are stable at room temperature for short periods (sufficient for tracked shipping) without compromising integrity. We use thermal-protective packaging where appropriate. On receipt, transfer the product to refrigerated storage immediately.
All products supplied by Key Peptides are sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes. They are not licensed medicines and are not intended for human or veterinary use. See our full Disclaimer.