Peptide Glossary

Quick reference for peptide research terminology, compound names, analytical methods, and looksmaxxing concepts used throughout this site and the broader research community.

Ascension

In looksmaxxing, the process of improving physical appearance and attractiveness through optimization of diet, training, grooming, and compounds. The Clavicular Ascension Stack is named for this concept.

BAC Water

Bacteriostatic water — sterile water preserved with 0.9% benzyl alcohol, used to reconstitute lyophilized peptides. The benzyl alcohol prevents microbial growth, extending usable life to 28 days after opening.

BPC-157

Body Protection Compound-157 (CAS 137525-51-0). A 15-amino-acid gastric pentadecapeptide researched for tissue repair, gut healing, and neuroprotection. Buy from QSC →

CAS Number

Chemical Abstracts Service registry number — a unique identifier assigned to every chemical compound. Used to precisely identify peptides regardless of brand name or synonym.

CJC-1295 No DAC

Modified Growth Releasing Factor 1-29 (CAS 863288-34-0). A GHRH analog that stimulates pulsatile growth hormone release. 'No DAC' means without Drug Affinity Complex. Buy from QSC →

COA

Certificate of Analysis — a document providing analytical test results for a specific batch of a compound. Should include HPLC purity data, mass spectrometry, and batch identification.

GHK-Cu

Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II) (CAS 49557-75-7). A naturally occurring copper tripeptide researched for collagen synthesis, skin repair, and anti-aging. Buy from QSC →

GLP-1

Glucagon-like peptide-1 — a gut hormone that regulates appetite, insulin secretion, and gastric emptying. GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide) are the most researched metabolic peptides.

HPLC

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography — the standard analytical method for quantifying peptide purity. Separates compounds by molecular properties and measures each as a percentage of total sample.

Hyperplasia

The formation of new cells — distinct from hypertrophy (growth of existing cells). IGF-1 LR3 is one of few compounds that promotes muscle hyperplasia via PI3K/Akt signaling.

IGF-1 LR3

Long Arg3 Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (CAS 946870-92-4). Modified IGF-1 with 20–30 hour half-life for sustained anabolic signaling. Buy from QSC →

Janoshik

An independent analytical testing laboratory that verifies peptide COA results. Publicly searchable at verify.janoshik.com. QSC Peptides uses Janoshik for third-party verification of every batch.

Looksmaxxing

The practice of maximizing physical appearance through grooming, diet, training, and sometimes surgical or pharmaceutical interventions. Originated from online self-improvement forums.

Lyophilized

Freeze-dried — the standard form for shipping and storing research peptides. Lyophilized powder is reconstituted with BAC water before research use. Much more stable than liquid form.

Melanotan II

Synthetic α-MSH analog (CAS 121062-08-6). Melanocortin receptor agonist researched for UV-free tanning and pigmentation. Full guide →

Mogging

Looksmaxxing slang for surpassing someone in physical attractiveness. Derived from 'AMOG' (Alpha Male of Group).

NAD+

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (CAS 53-84-9). A coenzyme critical for mitochondrial function, sirtuin activation, and DNA repair. Levels decline ~50% between ages 40–60. Buy from QSC →

PSL Scale

A numerical rating of facial attractiveness used in looksmaxxing communities, typically from 1–10. Named after forums PUAHate, Sluthate, and Lookism.

Reconstitution

The process of dissolving lyophilized peptide powder with bacteriostatic water to create an injectable solution. Full guide →

Retatrutide

Triple GLP-1/GIP/GCGR agonist (CAS 2381089-83-2) by Eli Lilly. The most potent metabolic peptide for fat loss research. Full guide →

Sirtuin

A family of NAD+-dependent enzymes (SIRT1–7) that regulate gene expression, DNA repair, metabolism, and cellular aging. Sirtuin activation is a primary mechanism of NAD+ anti-aging research.

SPPS

Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis — the standard manufacturing method for synthetic peptides. Amino acids are added one at a time to a growing chain attached to a solid resin support.

TB-500

Thymosin Beta-4 fragment (CAS 77591-33-4). Actin-binding peptide researched for systemic tissue healing, cell migration, and angiogenesis. Buy from QSC →

Triple Agonist

A compound that activates three receptors simultaneously. Retatrutide is a triple agonist of GLP-1R, GIPR, and GCGR — the only approved/trial-stage metabolic peptide with glucagon receptor activity.