Peptide Comparison
IpamorelinvsSermorelin
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.
The original growth hormone booster that works with your body's natural rhythm—it tells your pituitary gland to release more GH instead of replacing it, keeping your hormonal feedback system healthy and balanced.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Ipamorelin
100–300 mcg
Sermorelin
100–300 mcg
Frequency
Ipamorelin
Multiple times daily
Sermorelin
Once daily
Administration
Ipamorelin
Subcutaneous injection
Sermorelin
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Ipamorelin
8-12 weeks
Sermorelin
12+ weeks
Onset Speed
Ipamorelin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Sermorelin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Ipamorelin
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Sermorelin
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
GH Selectivity
Recovery Support
Safety Profile
GH Optimization
Sleep Quality
Body Composition
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Ipamorelin
Molecular Formula
C38H49N9O5
Molecular Weight
711.85 g/mol
Half-Life
2 hours
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously
CAS Number
170851-70-4
Sermorelin
Molecular Formula
C149H246N44O42S
Molecular Weight
3357.9 g/mol
Half-Life
10-20 minutes
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously; degraded orally
CAS Number
86168-78-7
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Ipamorelin
Sermorelin
Applications
Best
suited for
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.
Sermorelin
Adults Experiencing Age-Related GH Decline
After age 30, your growth hormone production naturally declines about 14% per decade. Sermorelin helps restore more youthful GH levels by stimulating your own pituitary rather than shutting it down with external hormones. It's like giving your hormone system a gentle nudge back to where it used to be.
Body Composition Optimizers
If you're struggling to lose stubborn belly fat or build lean muscle despite diet and exercise, sermorelin can help shift your body composition over time. Studies show it increases lean mass and reduces fat, especially in older adults whose natural GH has declined.
Sleep Quality Seekers
Growth hormone is intimately tied to deep, restorative sleep. By enhancing your natural nighttime GH pulses, sermorelin often improves sleep quality as a welcome side effect. Many users report falling asleep faster and waking more refreshed.
Those Wanting a Safer Alternative to HGH
Direct HGH injections bypass your body's feedback system and can suppress your own production. Sermorelin works differently—it asks your pituitary to make more GH naturally. This preserves your body's regulatory mechanisms and carries a lower risk of side effects.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Ipamorelin
Common
- Mild headache
- Injection site reactions
- Water retention
- Increased appetite
Uncommon
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Joint stiffness
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Sermorelin
Common
- Injection site reactions
- Facial flushing
- Headache
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
Uncommon
- Nausea
- Hyperactivity or difficulty sleeping
Serious
- Severe allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
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)
Sermorelin
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
FDA approved for other use
Safety Overview
Sermorelin has an excellent safety profile backed by FDA approval history and decades of clinical use. Unlike direct HGH, it works through your body's natural feedback mechanisms, which inherently limits excessive hormone levels. Side effects are generally mild and transient—mostly injection site reactions and occasional flushing. The peptide was FDA-approved in 1997 for pediatric use and is one of the most well-studied growth hormone secretagogues available.
Contraindications
- xActive cancer or history of cancer
- xPregnancy or breastfeeding
- xKnown allergy to sermorelin or any peptide components
- xPituitary tumors or other pituitary disorders
- xDiabetic retinopathy
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Ipamorelin if...
- Muscle recovery and growth
- Anti-aging and vitality
- Body composition improvement
- Sleep quality enhancement
Choose Sermorelin if...
- Anti-aging and vitality
- Body composition improvement
- Sleep quality enhancement
- Exercise recovery