Frequently asked questions

Browse common questions on product information, testing, ordering, shipping, and support for UK Peptides research-use-only products.

Average response time: Typically within 1 working day

General

What are peptides, and how are they made?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids (the same building blocks found in proteins). The amino acids link together via peptide bonds in a specific order.

In manufacturing, a common approach is solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), where amino acids are added step-by-step to build the sequence.

  • The sequence is assembled in a controlled process
  • The finished peptide is cleaved from the solid support
  • It is purified (for example chromatography) and identity/purity is checked (for example MS/HPLC)
  • It is typically lyophilised (freeze-dried) for stability
Do your peptides contain mannitol?

Many lyophilised peptides are supplied with a small amount of stabiliser/excipient (often mannitol) to support the freeze-drying process and improve handling/reconstitution.

  • Helps protect the peptide structure during lyophilisation
  • Can make the powder easier to see and handle at very small mg amounts
  • Can reduce clumping and improve dissolution behaviour

The labelled peptide amount is based on peptide content, not how full the vial looks. If you need excipient details for a specific item/lot, contact support.

Why does my vial look different, or why didn't it pop like a vacuum seal?

Appearance can vary between peptides and batches. You may see a fluffy cake, a thin film, loose powder, or a denser puck.

  • Sequence and molecular properties affect how it freeze-dries
  • Lyophilisation parameters can change texture
  • Not hearing a vacuum pop does not automatically indicate a problem

If you see obvious signs of damage or contamination, contact us with photos.

Do you sell pre-blended peptide combinations (for example compound A + compound B)?

We generally list compounds separately so researchers can control ratios and keep protocols reproducible.

  • More flexibility when designing experiments
  • Easier to track variables and avoid fixed-ratio limitations
  • Clearer documentation of what was used

If we ever stock a blend, it will be clearly labelled as such.

What vial sizes / strengths do you offer?

Sizes vary by product. On each product page you will see available variants (for example different mg amounts).

If you need a specific size for a project, reach out and we will tell you what is available.

What is the shelf life of peptides?

Shelf life depends on the peptide and storage conditions.

  • Lyophilised (powder): often around ~12 months when kept cold, dry, and protected from light
  • Reconstituted solutions: typically much shorter (days to weeks depending on the compound and conditions)

For best practice, minimise moisture exposure and avoid repeated temperature cycling.

How should I handle and store peptides?
  • Let cold vials reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation risk
  • Use clean technique and avoid introducing moisture
  • Store lyophilised vials sealed, with desiccant, and ideally frozen for long-term storage
  • Consider aliquoting to reduce repeated open/close or freeze/thaw cycles

If you reconstitute, only prepare what you need for near-term work and store appropriately for your protocol.

Do you sell bacteriostatic water?

Where available, we stock bacteriostatic water/mixing water in the catalogue for laboratory workflows.

Always check the product listing for specifications and intended use notes.

Research-use reminder

All products on this store are supplied for research/lab use only and are not intended for human or veterinary use.

Do you accept custom peptide synthesis requests?

In some cases we may be able to help with custom or bulk requests (usually subject to minimum quantities and lead times).

  • Provide your target sequence
  • Desired purity/analysis requirements
  • Quantity and timeline

Contact support with your project requirements for an indicative quote.

Is there a minimum order value?

We aim to keep ordering straightforward. If a minimum basket value applies, it will be clearly shown at checkout.

If you are unsure, contact us before placing the order.

What are these products used for?

Products are supplied strictly for research and laboratory purposes only.

  • Not for human consumption
  • Not for veterinary use
  • Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease

We do not provide medical advice or therapeutic recommendations.

My 5mg vial looks almost empty - can I weigh it to confirm?

5mg is an extremely small amount of material. Depending on formulation and excipients, it may be hard to see.

  • Consumer scales are not precise enough at these weights
  • The vial may contain excipients/salts that make gross weight meaningless for peptide content
  • Lab verification uses analytical methods (for example chromatography / mass analysis)

For concentration calculations, use the labelled peptide content and your chosen reconstitution volume.

My reconstituted solution looks cloudy - is that a problem?

Some peptides can form slightly cloudy/opalescent solutions due to their chemistry (for example more hydrophobic sequences).

  • Cloudiness alone does not automatically mean contamination
  • Visible particulates, discolouration, or damaged vials should be reported to support

Solvent/buffer choices depend on your protocol and should be based on your own research and lab SOPs.

Can you tell me how to use peptides or advise dosing?

No. We cannot advise on dosing, administration, or non-laboratory usage.

  • We are a supplier, not a medical provider
  • Protocols vary by research goal and setting
  • Please use peer-reviewed literature and institutional guidance

Important

We do not provide medical advice or therapeutic recommendations.

Do you offer discount codes or promotions?

From time to time we may run promotions. If available, they will be visible on-site or via our announcements.

Discounts (when offered) apply per the terms shown at the time.

Quality & testing

Do you provide Certificates of Analysis (CoA)?

Where applicable, product pages may include certificates or technical documents (or key analytical specs).

If you need documentation for a specific product or lot, contact us and we will tell you what is available.

Do you provide third-party HPLC reports or raw analytical files?

We focus on providing practical documentation and clear specifications. Raw instrument files are not always shareable because they can contain proprietary or supplier-sensitive data.

If your work requires independent verification, consider third-party testing through a qualified laboratory.

What impurities can occur in peptide synthesis?

Even with careful synthesis, trace by-products can occur.

  • Truncated sequences (shorter chains)
  • Deletions/substitutions (missing or incorrect residues)
  • Oxidation or minor chemical changes (depending on residues)

Purification and QC are used to minimise and characterise these.

What does net peptide content mean?

Net peptide content refers to the amount of actual peptide material, excluding excipients, salts/counter-ions, and residual moisture.

This is different from purity, which describes how much of the material is the correct sequence versus impurities.

Purity vs yield - what is the difference?
  • Purity: how clean the sample is (percentage of target sequence vs impurities)
  • Yield: a manufacturing efficiency measure (how much product was obtained during production)

For research quality, purity/specification is usually the figure researchers care about.

Endotoxins / LPS - do synthetic peptides contain them?

Chemically synthesised peptides have a lower risk of bacterial endotoxin contamination than biologically expressed products, but requirements vary by research setting.

If you require quantified endotoxin levels for your work, use third-party testing or request documentation where available.

Ordering & payment

What payment methods do you accept?

Checkout is handled securely via Stripe in GBP.

  • Major debit/credit cards are typically supported
  • Additional methods (for example wallets) may appear depending on your device and Stripe availability

The exact options shown at checkout are the ones currently enabled.

I have just paid - what happens next?

After successful checkout, you should see an on-screen confirmation and receive an email confirmation.

Dispatch and tracking follow according to our processing times (see Shipping & Returns).

I did not receive a payment/order confirmation - what should I do?
  • Check spam/junk folders
  • Verify you entered the correct email at checkout
  • Search your inbox for your order reference

If you still cannot find it, contact support with your name, email used, and approximate time of purchase.

I made a mistake on my order - can I change it?

Contact us as soon as possible. If an order has not been dispatched, we may be able to help.

Once an order is shipped, changes are much harder and may require waiting for delivery/return processes.

What is your refund policy?

Refund eligibility depends on the issue and the condition of items, and is set out in our policies.

Refunds

Shipping & returns

If something arrives damaged or incorrect, contact us promptly with photos and your order reference.

Shipping & delivery

What shipping options do you offer?

Available shipping options and prices are shown at checkout before you pay.

We dispatch from the UK and ship to destinations available at checkout.

When will my order be dispatched?

Dispatch timing depends on stock status and order volume. Any guidance we provide is an estimate, not a guarantee.

See Shipping & returns for details

How long does delivery take?

Delivery estimates are shown at checkout and depend on destination and carrier performance.

International orders may take longer due to customs processing.

How are peptides packaged for shipping?
  • Packed to reduce light exposure and protect the contents
  • Discreet outer packaging
  • Lyophilised products are generally stable during normal transit timeframes

Once delivered, store products according to the guidance on the product page and your lab SOPs.

I have an issue with delivery - what should I do?
  • Check your tracking link first
  • Look for safe-place deliveries and check with neighbours/household members
  • If the issue persists, contact support with your order ID and tracking info
My parcel has not arrived yet - what should I do?

Tracking gaps can happen, especially around weekends and during busy periods.

  • Confirm the delivery address
  • Check tracking updates
  • Contact us if the parcel appears delayed beyond reasonable timeframes
My order was sent to the wrong address - what can I do?

If you notice an address issue, contact us immediately. If the parcel has already shipped, carriers often cannot redirect.

In many cases the parcel will return to sender if undeliverable; we will then discuss reshipment/refund options per policy.

Tracking says returning to sender - what happens now?

We need to receive the parcel back before we can take the next step.

  • Once received, we can usually arrange reshipment or a refund depending on circumstances
  • Shipping costs may be affected depending on the reason for return

Shipping & returns

Customs & international

Can you ship to my country?

If your country/region can be selected at checkout, we can ship there.

If it is not listed, we cannot ship to that destination at the moment.

My parcel is held in customs - can you help?

Customs processing is controlled by the destination country and carrier network.

  • Monitor tracking
  • Respond promptly to any customs contact
  • If customs requests documentation, contact us and we will help where we can
I am in the EU - will I need to pay customs/VAT?

Many EU shipments from the UK may attract VAT/handling fees depending on local rules.

These charges (if applied) are typically collected by your local customs/postal service.

Do you cover import duties or taxes?

No. Import duties/VAT/handling fees are set by your country and are paid to your local authorities or carrier.

What if customs rejects my parcel?

If a parcel is refused by customs, it is usually returned to sender.

Once it returns to us, we will advise on the available options per our policies.

Can you mark parcels as gift or declare a lower value?

No. We must declare shipments accurately and comply with shipping/customs law.

Incorrect declarations can lead to seizure, delays, or penalties.

What if my international parcel goes missing?

International deliveries can have longer tracking pauses due to customs and carrier handovers.

If a parcel appears genuinely lost, we will follow the carrier investigation process before refund/reshipment.

Returns & missing parcels

What happens if my parcel is missing?
  • Check tracking and safe places
  • Check with neighbours/household members
  • Contact us with your order reference if it still cannot be located

We may need to open a carrier investigation depending on the situation.

Why do you investigate before refunding or reshipping?

Carriers typically require an investigation to confirm whether a parcel is lost, misdelivered, or delayed.

  • Helps confirm delivery scans (and sometimes GPS/photo evidence)
  • Prevents duplicate shipments if the parcel later arrives
  • Supports any compensation claims with the carrier
Tracking shows delivered but I did not receive it - what now?
  • Re-check safe places and all entrances
  • Ask neighbours/building reception
  • Contact us with your order ID and we will help request carrier proof-of-delivery where available
Can you resend immediately while an investigation is ongoing?

We understand the urgency, but we usually must wait for a confirmed outcome (or the parcel to return) to avoid duplicate shipments and comply with carrier rules.

If you have time-sensitive needs, contact support and we will advise what is possible.

Account & support

I did not receive my order confirmation email.
  • Check spam/junk folders
  • Search your inbox for your order reference or store name
  • Confirm you used the correct email address

If it is still missing, contact us and we will help.

I cannot log in to my account.

Account access is available for customers who placed an order using that email, and for invited affiliates.

If login fails, use password reset and ensure your email is verified. You can still use guest order links sent by email for payment instructions.

Can I change my shipping address after ordering?

If you contact us quickly and the order has not shipped, we may be able to update details.

Once dispatched, carriers often cannot change delivery addresses.

How can I update my details?

If you need to correct order details (address, name, email), contact support with your order reference as soon as possible.

I placed an order but have not received any updates.

You should receive an order confirmation after checkout and a dispatch email when your parcel ships.

  • Check spam/junk
  • Ensure your email inbox is not filtering messages
  • Contact support if you still cannot find the emails
How do I contact customer support?

Use the contact page or email our support address. Including your order reference helps us help you faster.

Contact

What is your returns address?

Please contact us before sending anything back. Returns are handled case-by-case and we will confirm the correct address and instructions once a return is approved.

Shipping & returns

Still have questions?

If your question is order-specific, include your order reference so we can help faster.