FAQs
Frequently Asked
Questions
General · Quality · Ordering · Shipping · Safety · Privacy
Everything you need to know about our research-grade compounds, ordering process, quality standards, and compliance framework — answered clearly and honestly.
General Information
Research Use Only · legal status · who can purchase
Products labelled as Research Use Only are intended strictly for laboratory research and scientific study. They are not approved, licensed, or validated for human or veterinary use, and must not be used for consumption, self-administration, or any clinical purpose.
RUO compounds are tools for scientific investigation — used to study biological mechanisms, test hypotheses, and generate data in controlled research settings. The designation exists to make this boundary unambiguous.
Most Research Use Only products are legal to sell and possess for research purposes in the UK. The majority of research peptides are not controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, and are not classified as medicines under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 when supplied and used for legitimate research.
However, the legal status of specific compounds can vary, and regulations change. It is the customer's sole responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable local laws and regulations before purchasing.
Our products are intended for purchase by individuals and organisations operating in a legitimate research context, including:
- Qualified researchers and scientists
- University, academic, and government research laboratories
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology R&D teams
- Educational institutions conducting approved research
- Contract research organisations (CROs) and analytical laboratories
By completing a purchase, you confirm that you are using the products strictly for legitimate research purposes and that you are 18 years of age or older.
Product Quality & Storage
Testing standards · Certificates of Analysis · storage temperatures · shelf life
We source products from vetted manufacturers operating to established quality standards. All compounds are independently verified before supply, typically including:
- Batch-specific purity testing by HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
- Identity confirmation by mass spectrometry (MS)
- Certificates of Analysis (CoA) documenting all analytical results
- Endotoxin testing for compounds intended for cell culture applications
A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is an analytical document issued by a testing laboratory that independently verifies the quality of a specific product batch. A CoA typically confirms:
- Product identity (confirmed by mass spectrometry)
- Purity levels (determined by HPLC chromatography)
- Testing methods used and the laboratory that performed them
- Batch number, appearance description, and release status
CoAs ensure analytical transparency and provide researchers with the documented evidence of compound quality required for credible scientific work. CoAs are available on request for all products — contact us with your order number and batch details.
Correct storage is essential to preserve compound integrity and ensure reliable research results. General guidelines:
- Lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder: Store at −20°C for standard long-term storage, or −80°C for extended periods
- Reconstituted solutions: Refrigerate at 2–8°C for short-term use; aliquot and freeze at −20°C for longer storage
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles: Aliquot into single-use volumes before freezing
- Protect from light: Use amber vials or opaque containers; many peptides are photosensitive
- Protect from moisture: Allow cold vials to reach room temperature before opening to prevent condensation
Specific storage requirements for each compound are stated on the product label, product page, and CoA.
Shelf life depends on the form of the compound and how it is stored:
- Lyophilised peptides at −20°C: Typically 12–24 months when stored correctly in sealed, dry conditions
- Lyophilised peptides at −80°C: Often 24–36+ months with negligible degradation
- Reconstituted solutions (2–8°C): Usually 2–4 weeks depending on the specific peptide and solvent used
- Reconstituted aliquots (−20°C): Typically 2–3 months for most peptides
Always label reconstituted vials with the date of preparation and discard after the stability window has passed. When in doubt, consult the product-specific CoA or contact us.
Ordering & Payment
Payment methods · security · order modifications · purchase process
We accept the following payment methods:
- Bank transfer (BACS): Available for all orders, including institutional purchase orders
- Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies — contact us for current wallet details
- Debit and credit cards: Available through our secure payment gateway (Visa, Mastercard)
- Institutional purchase orders: Available for universities, research institutes, and verified organisations — contact us to arrange
Yes. Card payments are processed through encrypted payment gateways — your card details are never stored on our systems. All card transactions use SSL/TLS encryption.
Cryptocurrency payments offer an additional layer of financial privacy. Please note that cryptocurrency transactions are non-reversible once confirmed on the blockchain — double-check all wallet addresses before sending funds.
Orders may be modified or cancelled before they are dispatched. If you need to make a change — such as updating your delivery address, adjusting quantities, or cancelling entirely — please contact our support team as soon as possible after placing your order.
Once an order has been dispatched we are unable to make changes or intercept the shipment. If you contact us after dispatch, we will advise on the best available course of action depending on the circumstances.
Shipping & Delivery
Destinations · delivery times · discreet packaging · tracking
Yes. We ship across the UK and to selected international destinations. International shipping availability depends on the regulations of the destination country regarding the importation of research chemicals.
It is the buyer's responsibility to confirm that import of the specific compound ordered is lawful in their country before placing an order. We cannot accept liability for shipments seized or delayed by customs authorities.
Typical delivery timeframes from the date of dispatch:
- UK: 1–3 working days (express next-day options available)
- Europe: 3–7 working days
- International: 5–14 working days depending on destination
These are estimates and may be affected by carrier delays, peak periods, or customs processing for international shipments. Tracking information is provided for all orders so you can monitor progress.
Yes. All orders are dispatched in plain, unbranded outer packaging. The external packaging does not reference the contents, compound names, or the nature of the goods in any way. Only our registered business address appears on the outside of the package.
Product vials inside the package are accurately labelled in accordance with our regulatory labelling obligations, including compound name, batch number, quantity, storage conditions, and Research Use Only designation.
Yes. Tracking details are provided by email once your order has been dispatched. Use the tracking number provided to monitor your shipment through the carrier's website.
If you have not received a dispatch confirmation within 2 working days of placing your order, please check your spam folder first, then contact us with your order number and we will investigate.
Safety & Usage
Human consumption · dosage policy · laboratory safety precautions
No. All products are strictly not for human consumption and are sold for research purposes only. They have not been through the clinical trials, regulatory review, or safety assessments required for any form of human or veterinary therapeutic use.
Self-administering research chemicals carries serious, potentially life-threatening risks. No safety data for human use exists for these compounds in the context in which they are supplied, and no guidance on human use will be provided under any circumstances.
No. As Research Use Only products, no dosage, administration, or therapeutic guidance is provided. We do not provide recommendations on quantities for human use, injection sites, or cycles.
We do provide research protocol frameworks, preclinical working concentrations, and biomarker guidance within our Science Library — for use in designing in vitro and in vivo research studies, not for human administration.
All research compounds should be handled in accordance with standard laboratory safety protocols. Key precautions include:
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) — nitrile gloves, lab coat, and eye protection as a minimum
- Work in a controlled laboratory environment with appropriate ventilation
- Follow your institution's standard chemical handling and safety protocols
- Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each compound before handling
- Store compounds securely, away from food, drink, and unauthorised access
- Dispose of compounds and waste in accordance with applicable hazardous waste regulations
Contact us if you require Safety Data Sheets for any product in our catalogue.
Returns & Refunds
Returns policy · damaged orders · refund process
Due to the nature of research-grade chemical compounds, returns are generally not accepted once a product has been received and is in your possession. Exceptions are made in the following circumstances:
- The item received is defective or compromised in a way not caused by improper storage after receipt
- The wrong product was supplied in error by us
- The product fails to meet the purity or identity specifications stated in the CoA, supported by independent analytical evidence
Unopened products may be considered for return within 7 days of receipt — please contact us before returning anything. Returned items must be in their original sealed condition and returned at the customer's expense unless the return is the result of our error.
If your order arrives damaged, please contact our support team within 24–48 hours of receipt and include the following:
- Your order number
- Clear photographs of the damaged outer packaging
- Photographs of the affected product vials
- A brief description of the damage observed
Please do not dispose of the damaged packaging or product before contacting us — we may need this information to process a carrier claim. We will assess the situation promptly and arrange a replacement or refund where transit damage is confirmed.
Privacy & Compliance
Data protection · UK regulatory compliance · customer information
Yes. Customer data is handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Your personal information is collected only for the purposes of processing your order and communicating with you about it.
We do not sell, rent, or share customer data with third parties for marketing or commercial purposes. Your data may be shared only where required to fulfil your order (such as with shipping carriers) or where required by law.
Yes. Peptide Sciences UK operates in line with applicable UK laws and regulations governing the sale of research materials. This includes:
- Supplying products under a strict Research Use Only framework with clear policy and terms
- Accurately describing products and their intended use without making unlawful medicinal claims
- Complying with UK GDPR and data protection obligations
- Applying accurate customs classification and documentation for all shipments
Customers are responsible for ensuring that their purchase, importation, possession, and use of specific compounds is lawful in their jurisdiction. We encourage all customers to satisfy themselves on this point before ordering.
Our Team Is Here to Help
If your question isn't covered here, contact our support team. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours — including scientific, compliance, and order-related queries.
Scientific Queries
Mechanism questions, protocol design, biomarker selection, and compound suitability for specific research
CoA & Documentation
Requests for Certificates of Analysis, batch records, Safety Data Sheets, and compliance documentation
Orders & Delivery
Order status, tracking queries, bulk pricing, institutional purchase orders, and custom requirements
Serious Research Deserves
Serious Materials
Independently tested, fully documented, and supplied within a strict research-use compliance framework — everything a researcher needs to proceed with confidence.
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