The beauty-meets-wellness sector has evolved significantly, now valued at $6.8 trillion. However, a key element within this industry, used in products ranging from injections to affordable lip balms, raises safety concerns. Scholars at Northeastern University have voiced their apprehensions over the fast-paced adoption of peptides, questioning their safety and efficacy. These concerns arise following a meeting by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine the future of various peptide compounds, an initiative supported by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary.
The dialogue taps into the core of a thriving industry, as pharmaceutical experts question if peptides—marketed as agents to decrease wrinkles and promote weight loss by targeting cell receptors—are premature for mainstream use. They query if regulators and consumers are endorsing unverified products.
The Surge of Peptides in Wellness and Biohacking
Concepts like “biohacking” and “longevity” have infiltrated personal care, with peptides leading this trend. This surge surpasses trends like NAD infusions and DNA-based skincare. In January, U.S. searches for peptides reached 10.1 million per month, a fivefold increase since 2020. About one in eight Americans uses GLP-1 drugs, the class underpinning Ozempic and Mounjaro, with FDA approval. Teenagers also appear influenced by this trend, showing a readiness to prioritize appearance.
The situation could escalate if the FDA relaxes restrictions on peptides, which experts claim require more research. On July 23, the FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee deliberated on potentially enabling access to four previously banned peptides.
HHS press secretary Emily G. Hilliard shared insights with Newsweek. “The FDA convened the committee to assess the benefits, risks, and safety of each peptide under review,” she stated. “Recommendations aid the agency’s decision-making. Once a proposed rule is published, public feedback is welcome. The FDA will review comments before finalizing any rule. The outcome may include all, some, or none of the substances considered for the 503A Bulks List.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed earlier that 14 out of 19 banned peptides might be delisted, marking the most significant regulatory shift in U.S. peptide history.
Expert Opinions and Industry Concerns
Valerie Aparovich, a certified cosmetologist and biochemist, expresses optimism regarding amino acid chains. She claims that topical peptides like Matrixyl and Argireline have a high safety profile and aid collagen production, although much research originates from sales-driven sources.
Despite the enthusiasm from users, sellers, and RFK Jr., isolated cases of harm persist. In 2025, two women became critically ill after peptide injections at a Las Vegas event handled by a California physician operating without a Nevada license.
Karthik Achari, clinician and founder of PepMD, emphasized a structural issue. “Being authorized and qualified to prescribe peptides differs. The current system lacks clear distinction,” he remarked. Though anecdotal evidence abounds, controlled data remains scarce. Achari noted that official rule changes could take over a year. He argued a regulated path offers more safety than the existing grey market.
Dr. Neil Panchal, chief medical officer of Longevitix, concurs. He argues for regulated access, asserting that when peptides aren’t available through licensed pharmacies, consumers turn to unverified vendors.
However, Northeastern’s Professor Mansoor Amiji criticized the lack of rigorous studies. He stressed that most peptides, except for certain FDA-approved GLP-1s and collagen supplements, lack clinical validation. He warned about risks like systemic absorption from topical application and described placebo effects as best-case scenarios.
His colleague, Steve Kates, highlighted the unmet approval criteria. “These products miss efficacy, manufacturing validation, and toxicology checks,” he explained, noting the challenges in mass-producing peptides due to their complexity.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Kara Dolman and Emma Lee-Sang.