Peptide Comparison
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)vsIpamorelin
A synthetic hexapeptide that signals your pituitary to release growth hormone through a unique pathway, with emerging evidence of heart-protective benefits.
A uniquely selective growth hormone booster that tells your pituitary to release more GH without messing with your cortisol or other hormones—making it the 'clean' choice among growth hormone peptides.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
100–300 mcg
Ipamorelin
100–300 mcg
Frequency
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
Multiple times daily
Ipamorelin
Multiple times daily
Administration
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
Subcutaneous injection
Ipamorelin
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
8-12 weeks
Ipamorelin
8-12 weeks
Onset Speed
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Ipamorelin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
Limited human trials
Ipamorelin
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Muscle Recovery and Growth
Cellular Health and Protection
Appetite and Nutrient Intake
GH Selectivity
Recovery Support
Safety Profile
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
Molecular Formula
C46H56N12O6
Molecular Weight
873.0 g/mol
Half-Life
~2.5 hours
Bioavailability
<1% oral, high subcutaneous
CAS Number
87616-84-0
Ipamorelin
Molecular Formula
C38H49N9O5
Molecular Weight
711.85 g/mol
Half-Life
2 hours
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously
CAS Number
170851-70-4
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
Ipamorelin
Applications
Best
suited for
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
Athletes and Serious Trainers
If you're hitting the gym hard and want better recovery and muscle growth, GHRP-6 amplifies your body's natural GH response. This is particularly valuable during intense training phases when you want to maximize adaptation and minimize soreness. The appetite stimulation also helps you consume the calories you need to grow.
Those Exploring Novel Peptide Protocols
GHRP-6 offers a unique mechanism through the ghrelin receptor, making it valuable for users who want to explore diverse GH-stimulation pathways. It works distinctly from GHRH-based approaches and pairs well with other GH secretagogues for synergistic effects.
Longevity and Metabolic Health Enthusiasts
Growth hormone plays roles in metabolic health, body composition, and potentially aging markers. GHRP-6's emerging research on cellular protection and antioxidant activation makes it interesting for those interested in broader health optimization beyond just muscle growth.
Ipamorelin
Clean GH Boost Seekers
If you want the benefits of increased growth hormone without spiking cortisol or other stress hormones, Ipamorelin is uniquely selective. Unlike GHRP-2 or GHRP-6, it won't raise your cortisol levels even at doses 200 times higher than needed for GH release.
Recovery-Focused Athletes
Ipamorelin shines for athletes who want better recovery between training sessions. The GH boost helps repair muscle tissue faster, and since it doesn't mess with other hormones, you can use it consistently without the rollercoaster effects.
Anti-Aging Enthusiasts
Growth hormone naturally declines as we age, contributing to muscle loss, fat gain, and reduced vitality. Ipamorelin offers a gentle way to restore more youthful GH levels without the risks of actual HGH therapy.
Those Recovering from Steroid Use
Research shows Ipamorelin can help counteract the muscle and bone-weakening effects of glucocorticoid medications. If you've been on steroids for medical reasons, this peptide may help you rebuild what you've lost.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
Common
- Increased Appetite
- Mild Joint or Muscle Discomfort
- Water Retention or Mild Swelling
Uncommon
- Sleep Disturbances
- Mild Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Serious
- Allergic Reaction
Ipamorelin
Common
- Mild headache
- Injection site reactions
- Water retention
- Increased appetite
Uncommon
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Joint stiffness
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6)
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
GHRP-6 has a relatively long research history dating back to 1981, with human studies demonstrating its ability to stimulate GH release. The good news is that animal safety studies show excellent tolerability at high doses, and the side effects reported are generally mild and reversible. However, it's not FDA-approved, so use is based on research evidence rather than pharmaceutical oversight. Always purchase from reputable sources and consider medical consultation, especially if you have existing health conditions.
Contraindications
- xKnown allergy or sensitivity to any component of the peptide
- xActive cancer or history of cancer without medical clearance
- xSevere cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension
- xAcute critical illness or sepsis
Ipamorelin
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Ipamorelin has shown a favorable safety profile in both animal and human studies. What makes it stand out is its remarkable selectivity—it releases growth hormone without significantly affecting cortisol, ACTH, or other hormones. In clinical trials, it was well-tolerated with mostly mild, temporary side effects. Phase 2 trials in patients recovering from surgery showed no significant safety concerns compared to placebo.
Contraindications
- xActive cancer or history of cancer
- xPregnancy or breastfeeding
- xPituitary disorders or tumors
- xKnown allergy to peptide components
- xChildren and adolescents (growth plates still open)
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) if...
- Building lean muscle mass and improving body composition
- Recovery from intense training programs and athletic performance
- Supporting overall metabolic health and longevity markers
- Exploring novel GH-stimulation pathways for those who respond well to peptide protocols
Choose Ipamorelin if...
- Muscle recovery and growth
- Anti-aging and vitality
- Body composition improvement
- Sleep quality enhancement