Temperature control is the most critical factor in maintaining peptide potency. Store peptides correctly and they remain effective for months. Store them wrong and they can degrade in days. This guide provides clear, practical guidance for every situation.
The Three Storage Zones
| Zone | Temperature | Best For | Avoid For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freezer | -20°C (-4°F) | Long-term storage of lyophilized peptides | Reconstituted peptides (ice crystals damage structure) |
| Refrigerator | 2-8°C (36-46°F) | Reconstituted peptides, short-term lyophilized storage | Nothing — the safe all-purpose zone |
| Room Temperature | 20-25°C (68-77°F) | Brief handling during dosing | Any extended storage of reconstituted or lyophilized peptides |
Storage Rules by Peptide State
Lyophilized (Unreconstituted Powder)
- Ideal storage: Freezer at -20°C. Shelf life: 12-24+ months.
- Acceptable: Refrigerator at 2-8°C. Shelf life: 6-12 months.
- Room temperature: A few days to weeks depending on compound. Not recommended for storage longer than shipping transit.
Reconstituted (Mixed with BAC Water)
- Ideal storage: Refrigerator at 2-8°C. Shelf life: 21-30 days depending on compound.
- Never freeze. Ice crystal formation irreversibly damages peptide structure.
- Room temperature: Some peptides degrade measurably within hours. Return to fridge immediately after drawing each dose.
Compound-Specific Storage Reference
| Peptide | Lyophilized (Freezer) | Lyophilized (Fridge) | Reconstituted (Fridge) | Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | 24+ months | 12+ months | 28-30 days | Low — relatively robust |
| TB-500 | 24+ months | 12+ months | 21-28 days | Low-moderate |
| Ipamorelin | 24+ months | 6-12 months | 21-28 days | Moderate — heat sensitive |
| CJC-1295 | 18-24 months | 6-12 months | 14-21 days | Moderate-high |
| Semaglutide | 24+ months | 12+ months | 28-56 days | Low — very stable |
| GHK-Cu | 24+ months | 12+ months | 21-28 days | Low — copper adds stability |
| Semax | 12-18 months | 6-9 months | 14-21 days | Moderate |
| IGF-1 LR3 | 12-18 months | 3-6 months | 7-14 days | High — use quickly |
| PT-141 | 24+ months | 12 months | 21 days | Low-moderate |
| Thymosin Alpha-1 | 24+ months | 12+ months | 28 days | Low — very stable |
Practical Storage Tips
- Store in the back of the fridge/freezer, not in the door. Door areas experience the most temperature fluctuation from opening and closing.
- Use a dedicated container (small plastic box or zip-lock bag) to keep peptides organized and protected from light.
- Remove vials from the freezer only when ready to reconstitute. Avoid moving vials back and forth between freezer and fridge — each temperature change causes condensation that can introduce moisture.
- Let frozen vials reach room temperature before reconstituting (15-20 minutes). Adding cold water to a frozen peptide can cause thermal shock.
- Wrap vials in aluminum foil if your refrigerator has an internal light that stays on.
The 10-Degree Rule
A useful rule of thumb: for every 10°C increase in temperature, the rate of chemical degradation approximately doubles. This means:
- A peptide stable for 28 days at 4°C (fridge) might last only 14 days at 14°C and 7 days at 24°C (room temp).
- Freezer storage at -20°C dramatically slows all degradation pathways, which is why lyophilized peptides can last years frozen.
My peptide was left out overnight. Is it still good?
If it was lyophilized (dry powder), overnight at room temperature is generally fine — minimal degradation for most compounds. If it was reconstituted, a single night at room temperature will cause some degradation but likely not total loss. Refrigerate immediately and consider that you may have lost some potency. If it was a particularly fragile peptide (like IGF-1 LR3), discard and use a fresh vial.
Can I store peptides in a mini-fridge?
Yes, as long as the mini-fridge maintains a consistent temperature of 2-8°C. Some mini-fridges, especially inexpensive ones, have poor temperature regulation — they may run too warm or have hot spots. Use a cheap refrigerator thermometer to verify the temperature is in the correct range before storing peptides.