The short version: I'm giving Peptide Labs 4 out of 10. The writing is plain, most of the trial numbers on its product pages check out, and one of its newer posts makes a fair point: a lab certificate on its own doesn't prove quality. But the site publishes no lab report at all. Its refunds policy says all its products are “intended strictly for laboratory and research purposes only”, 12 of its 14 product pages say so too, and all 14 have a dosing tab. Its usage page sets out injection schedules, one of them under a research-only heading. And its tanning guide sells melanotan as safe and protective against UV, which even the label of afamelanotide, the one approved drug in this family, doesn't back.
What I looked at: peptidelabs.co.za, all 7 blog posts, all 14 product pages with every tab opened, the usage, introduction, contact and FAQ pages, the privacy and refunds policies, and 4 product images. All on 15 October 2026. Before grading, I checked that Peptide Labs has no link to us. It doesn't.
The score, broken down
| What I marked | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Is it clear? | 1 / 2 | Short, plain sentences and tidy product tabs. But the site contradicts itself and has visible mistakes: a features list headed “FEATURES OF MELANOTAN” in the tirzepatide section, next to a “BUY RETATRUTIDE” button (P49), a NAD+ mixing tab showing another product's blend (P50), one post that disagrees with the usage page on how often to dose, and a “Shipping, Returns & Refunds Policy” with no delivery terms. |
| Is it useful? | 1 / 2 | The storage post and the newer COA post genuinely help a buyer, and the retatrutide vs tirzepatide post explains how the two drugs work correctly. Most of the rest is sales copy (“incredible benefits”), and the most detailed how-to on the site is self-injection guidance. |
| Are the facts right? | 1 / 2 | The retatrutide obesity-trial figure and the SURMOUNT-1 figures hold. But one post gets the dosing frequency of two drugs wrong, the melanotan page borrows the name of an approved drug without saying which melanotan is in the vial, the tanning guide says melanotan protects against UV, and the tirzepatide page claims a “strong safety profile” with the thyroid warning missing. Close to a 0. |
| Does it show the evidence? | 0 / 2 | None of the 7 posts cites or links anything. Across the whole site there are 2 outbound references, both correct, on 3 of 14 product pages. No author is named. |
| Is it honest about downsides? | 1 / 2 | Stomach side effects are listed on all four GLP-1 pages, and the melanotan page mentions darker moles. But the thyroid warning on the approved medicines' labels, pancreatitis, melanoma reports, WADA and SAHPRA come up on none of the 28 pages I read. The tanning guide names no risk of the peptide at all. Close to a 0. |
| Total | 4 / 10 | Plain writing, little proof, and dosing on everything. |
The supplier checks
| Check | Result | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lab reports | Red | No lab report, batch number, test date or verify link on any of 14 products, and none in the site's media library. The FAQ says every batch is tested by Janoshik, but the link goes to the lab's home page, not a report. Certificates “can be provided upon request”. Their own post warns buyers about certificates with no clear link to a batch. |
| Claims & dosing | Red | A dosing tab on all 14 products, which its own refunds policy says are for research only. 11 say where on the body to inject, and 13 kits come with insulin syringes or needles. A usage page of injection schedules, one under “FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY”, and a post that teaches mixing and injecting. Benefit claims like “HEAL. REPAIR. RESTORE” and “help protect the skin from UV damage”. The melanotan and tirzepatide pages carry no research-use line at all, and the contact page labels only retatrutide “Research Use Only”. |
| Basics | Amber | A company name, a phone and WhatsApp number, an email, a returns and refunds policy, and a proper POPIA privacy policy. Missing: a registration number, VAT number, street address and directors, the terms page their refunds policy cites, delivery terms in the policy, and an age gate or 18+ rule. The policy doesn't say whether the 7-day cooling-off right applies. A privacy-policy link to the refund page goes nowhere. Close to red. |
What they got right
A fair point about lab certificates. A June 2026 post says a COA “should never be viewed as the sole indicator of product quality”, and warns: “Customers should be cautious of generic certificates that appear to be reused repeatedly without clear links to current production batches.” That's good advice for anyone buying peptides.
Trial numbers that mostly hold. The retatrutide page says people without diabetes lost “up to 24.2% body weight loss after 48 weeks on the highest dose”, which matches the phase 2 trial in the NEJM. The tirzepatide page's SURMOUNT-1 figures check out too, including 22.5% on the top dose, which is the figure in the trial's registry results. Both papers the site links to are the right ones, and one is openly titled “Regeneration or Risk?”.
Research-use lines on most products. 12 of 14 product pages say they're for research purposes only, and 8 add that it's “not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease”. The usage page admits its melanotan figures “are based on common community practice, not on medical guidelines.”
Some side effects, a real privacy policy, no fake reviews. All four GLP-1 pages list stomach side effects, and the melanotan page says “slight darkening of moles or freckles may occur in some users”. The privacy policy covers your POPIA rights and tells you how to “lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa”. There are no reviews anywhere, so none to fake.
What dragged it down
Research only, with a dosing tab on everything. Its refunds policy says all its products are for research only, and all 14 have a “Dosage & Titration” tab. 11 say where to inject, and 13 kits include insulin syringes or needles. Elsewhere the research label shrinks: the FAQ says “Retatrutide is for research use only” and suggests a doctor for any peptide used “for cosmetic or wellness purposes”, and on the contact page only the retatrutide button says “(Research Use Only)”, next to “SHOP MELANOTAN”. Some products add a break or maintenance phase (“After completing a full cycle, some protocols include:”), and the melanotan schedule is “For adults wishing to gradually test their tolerance.” The usage page heads its retatrutide section “HOW TO USE RETATRUTIDE (FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY)”, talks about lab handling, gives a dosing schedule marked “Tolerance phase, not full treatment yet”, then lists “Suitable for In Vitro and Preclinical Testing”. A blog post promises to show “how to mix peptides, how to use them correctly, and how to calculate accurate dosages”, and it does. I'm not repeating any of their doses here, and I've blacked out the doses, schedules, injection sites and steps in the saved copies.
Melanotan, sold as safe and sun-protective. The tanning guide says “Melanotan allows you to enhance your skin tone safely and efficiently”, that it “can also support your skin's natural defence against UV rays”, and pitches it to anyone “Whether you have very fair skin that usually burns easily”. The product page says “It can also help protect the skin from UV damage” and “Also known as Afamelanotide.” It does tell buyers to “protect your skin with a quality SPF”. Afamelanotide is the same molecule as melanotan I, but it's approved only as an implant, put in by a health professional, for one rare light-sensitivity disease. Melanotan II is a different molecule, and the page tags itself “Melanotan I or II” without saying which is in the vial. Even afamelanotide's label tells patients to keep up sun protection and get a full skin check twice a year. A 2017 dermatology review links unregulated melanotan to changes in moles and notes four case reports of melanoma growing from existing moles, though it says the link isn't proven. The tanning guide names no risk of the peptide.
No lab reports at all. The FAQ says certificates “can be provided upon request”, and the COA post says to “Request a certificate of authentication from PeptideLabs South Africe [sic] via email”. Another post says “After personally visiting peptide manufacturers in China” and describes a five-step batch check, but names no lab, batch or result. I found no report on any product page, post or page, or in the media library. By their own standard, a buyer has nothing to check.
SAHPRA and WADA, missing. SAHPRA's May 2026 notice says “Illegally marketed peptides include: BPC-157, TB-500, Melanotan II, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, PT-141, AOD-9604, Selank, and Semax.” Peptide Labs sells BPC-157, TB-500, Selank and Semax, a blend with two of them in it, and a melanotan it doesn't name. Its advice on GLP-1 medicines adds that “Powder forms are not registered and should be treated with caution”. Peptide Labs sells powder tirzepatide, semaglutide and retatrutide. Asked “Is Retatrutide approved for use in South Africa?”, the FAQ says it's still in clinical trials, “but it is available for research purposes through trusted suppliers such as Peptide Labs”. And at least 5 of its 14 products are or contain substances named on WADA's 2026 banned list, while the MOTS-c page says it's “popular among users looking for improved training output”. None of the 28 pages I read mentions SAHPRA or WADA.
Benefit copy on research products. The BPC-157 page says “HEAL. REPAIR. RESTORE”, and its brochure image says it “PROTECTS & HEALS THE GUT LINING”. The blog promises “incredible benefits for weight loss, muscle growth, skin health, and overall wellness” and “transformative, lasting changes”.
Facts that don't hold up.
| What they say | What I found |
|---|---|
| Tirzepatide: “current results show a strong safety profile when used responsibly” (P23) | The approved tirzepatide label opens with a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumours, and rules it out for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, or with MEN 2. No Peptide Labs page mentions it. |
| The mixing post's routine for tirzepatide and retatrutide (P03) | It has you dosing far more often than the trials or the approved tirzepatide label do. Peptide Labs' own usage page doesn't match it either. |
| Melanotan: “Also known as Afamelanotide.” (P26) | Afamelanotide is the same molecule as melanotan I, approved only as an implant for one rare disease. Melanotan II is a different molecule. The page tags itself “Melanotan I or II” and never says which is in the vial, and either way a powder vial isn't the approved implant. |
| Retatrutide: “Among participants with type 2 diabetes, Retatrutide resulted in 16–17% average weight loss” (P20) | Only the top-dose groups in that trial averaged that much. The lowest-dose group lost about 3%. |
| “BPC 157 is typically well tolerated in research settings” (P30), and “Very well tolerated, even at higher doses.” on the brochure image | Their own linked review says only three pilot studies have tested it in people. None reported side effects, but human data are “extremely limited” and it “should be considered investigational”. Nothing supports “even at higher doses”. |
The basics. There's a company name, “Peptide Labs (Pty) Ltd” (P44), plus a phone number, WhatsApp and an email. But no registration number, VAT number, directors or street address: the only location is “Orders shipped from Kzn, all over South Africa” (P43). SA's online-selling law asks for a registration number, a physical address and the names of the people running the company. The refunds policy cites “our Terms & Conditions.” (P42), and there's no terms page. The privacy policy links to a refund page that doesn't exist (P45). The “Shipping, Returns & Refunds Policy” has no delivery terms (its “Shipping Costs” part is about return postage), so delivery times only show up in the FAQ. It says “Due to the nature of our products, we do not generally accept returns once an order has been delivered.” (P41), and doesn't say whether the 7-day cooling-off right applies. The law does exempt some goods that can't be returned.
What would get them a better grade
- Take the dosing tabs, injection areas and usage schedules off products sold for research, or stop calling them research only.
- Publish a lab report for every batch, tied to a batch number, as their own COA post says buyers should expect.
- Fix the melanotan pages: drop “safely” and the UV-protection claims, say which melanotan is in the vial, and say what the risks are.
- Fix the mixing post's dosing frequency and the “strong safety profile” line, and add the thyroid warning.
- Tell readers what SAHPRA and WADA say about the compounds they sell.
- Publish a registration number, an address and the terms the refunds policy refers to.
Their COA post already says what buyers should look for. The shop just has to meet it.
Their side
Peptide Labs can reply any time through this form. If they do, I'll add it here word for word.
Spotted something I got wrong? Tell me. I fix facts fast and say what changed. I don't change a grade because someone complains, only when I've got a fact wrong or the supplier changes what they publish.
Evidence log
| Ref | What they said | Where | Seen |
|---|---|---|---|
| P01 | “this guide will walk you through how to mix peptides, how to use them correctly, and how to calculate accurate dosages” | /how-to-mix-use-and-dose-peptides-safely/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P02 | “offering incredible benefits for weight loss, muscle growth, skin health, and overall wellness” | /how-to-mix-use-and-dose-peptides-safely/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P03 | “For weight-loss peptides such as Tirzepatide and Retatrutide, consistency is key.” | /how-to-mix-use-and-dose-peptides-safely/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P04 | “we specialise in premium-quality peptides and offer expert guidance for our customers to use them safely” | /how-to-mix-use-and-dose-peptides-safely/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P05 | “Melanotan allows you to enhance your skin tone safely and efficiently.” | /how-to-achieve-a-great-tan-with-peptides-like-melanotan/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P06 | “can also support your skin’s natural defence against UV rays” | /how-to-achieve-a-great-tan-with-peptides-like-melanotan/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P07 | “the more protected you become against sunburn” | /how-to-achieve-a-great-tan-with-peptides-like-melanotan/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P08 | “Whether you have very fair skin that usually burns easily” | /how-to-achieve-a-great-tan-with-peptides-like-melanotan/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P09 | “Many South Africans have turned to Tirzepatide as a trusted option for controlling appetite and losing weight safely.” | /retratrutide-vs-tirzepatide/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P10 | “Users have reported improved insulin response, reduced cholesterol levels, and increased energy while maintaining lean muscle mass.” | /retratrutide-vs-tirzepatide/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P11 | “can deliver transformative, lasting changes” | /what-meal-plan-works-best-with-tirzepatide-or-retatrutide/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P12 | “for their powerful health and aesthetic benefits” | /how-to-store-peptides-correctly-to-maintain-quality-and-potency/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P13 | “HOW TO USE RETATRUTIDE (FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY)” | /usage/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P14 | “Tolerance phase, not full treatment yet.” | /usage/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P15 | “Handle Under Professional Supervision” | /usage/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P16 | “These figures are based on common community practice, not on medical guidelines.” | /usage/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P17 | “UV Protection and Skin Health” | /usage/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P18 | “Tirzepatide should be administered only as directed by a licensed medical professional.” | /usage/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P19 | “participants without type 2 diabetes experienced up to 24.2% body weight loss after 48 weeks on the highest dose” | /product/retatrutide-20mg-peptide/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P20 | “Among participants with type 2 diabetes, Retatrutide resulted in 16–17% average weight loss” | /product/retatrutide-20mg-peptide/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P21 | “Tips for Proper Use and Handling” | /product/retatrutide-20mg-peptide/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P22 | “After completing a full cycle, some protocols include:” | /product/retatrutide-30mg-peptide/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P23 | “current results show a strong safety profile when used responsibly” | /product/tirzepatide-15mg/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P24 | “participants without diabetes lost up to 22.5% of their body weight after 72 weeks on the highest dose” | /product/tirzepatide-15mg/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P25 | “It can also help protect the skin from UV damage” | /product/melanotan-peptide-10-mg/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P26 | “Also known as Afamelanotide.” | /product/melanotan-peptide-10-mg/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P27 | “For adults wishing to gradually test their tolerance.” | /product/melanotan-peptide-10-mg/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P28 | “slight darkening of moles or freckles may occur in some users” | /product/melanotan-peptide-10-mg/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P29 | “HEAL. REPAIR. RESTORE” | /product/bpc-157-10mg-research-peptide/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P30 | “BPC 157 is typically well tolerated in research settings” | /product/bpc-157-10mg-research-peptide/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P31 | “Enhanced Recovery Protocol” | /product/bpc-157-10mg-research-peptide/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P32 | “metabolic support, and abdominal fat reduction” | /product/tesamorelin-10mg/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P33 | “It is popular among users looking for improved training output” | /product/mots-c-10mg/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P34 | “For research purposes only. Not for human consumption.” | /product/tb-500-peptide-10mg/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P35 | “Certificates of analysis can be provided upon request” | / · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P36 | “it is available for research purposes through trusted suppliers such as Peptide Labs” | / · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P37 | “For any peptide intended for cosmetic or wellness purposes, we recommend consulting a medical professional before use.” | / · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P38 | “Request a certificate of authentication from PeptideLabs South Africe [sic] via email” | /why-a-coa-alone-doesnt-guarantee-peptide-quality-what-every-buyer-should-know/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P39 | “Customers should be cautious of generic certificates that appear to be reused repeatedly” | /why-a-coa-alone-doesnt-guarantee-peptide-quality-what-every-buyer-should-know/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P40 | “After personally visiting peptide manufacturers in China” | /how-we-verify-every-peptide-batch-before-it-reaches-south-africa/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P41 | “Due to the nature of our products, we do not generally accept returns once an order has been delivered.” | /shipping-returns-refunds/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P42 | “and our Terms & Conditions.” | /shipping-returns-refunds/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P43 | “Orders shipped from Kzn, all over South Africa” | /contact/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P44 | “Peptide Labs (Pty) Ltd” | /contact/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P45 | “https://peptidelabs.co.za/refund-return-policy/” | /privacy-policy/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P46 | “lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa” | /privacy-policy/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P47 | “VIEW RETATRUTIDE (Research Use Only)” | /contact/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P48 | “All products supplied by Peptide Labs are intended strictly for laboratory and research purposes only.” | /shipping-returns-refunds/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P49 | “Features of Melanotan” | /usage/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P50 | “Concentration after mixing:” | /product/nad-1000mg/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| P51 | “PROTECTS & HEALS THE GUT LINING” | /product/bpc-157-10mg-research-peptide/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| R01 | “Illegally marketed peptides include: BPC-157, TB-500, Melanotan II, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, PT-141, AOD-9604, Selank, and Semax.” | /peptide-products-public-information/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
| R02 | “Powder forms are not registered and should be treated with caution.” | /peptide-products-public-information/ · saved | 15 Oct 2026 |
Update log
- 15 Oct 2026: First published.
Sources
- SAHPRA: Peptide products, public information (May 2026).
- Jastreboff et al. 2022, tirzepatide SURMOUNT-1 trial (NEJM).
- SURMOUNT-1 trial record and results (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04184622).
- Jastreboff et al. 2023, retatrutide phase 2 trial (NEJM).
- Rosenstock et al. 2023, retatrutide phase 2 trial in type 2 diabetes (Lancet).
- Zepbound (tirzepatide) US prescribing information: boxed thyroid warning.
- SCENESSE (afamelanotide) US prescribing information.
- Habbema et al. 2017, risks of unregulated melanotan use (Int J Dermatol).
- McGuire et al. 2025, BPC-157 review, the paper Peptide Labs links to.
- WADA Prohibited List 2026.
- Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, section 43.
- Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, section 42 (goods the cooling-off right doesn't cover).
