Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about RUO Codes — how the site works, how vendors are vetted, what research peptides are, and details on compounds like BPC-157, semaglutide, GHK-Cu, and more.
About the site
- What is RUO Codes and how does it work?
- RUO Codes is a free coupon and discount-code aggregator for research-peptide vendors. We track active codes, sales, and promotions across vetted suppliers so you don't have to check dozens of sites yourself. Browse vendors or search for a specific compound, find a working code, copy it, and apply it at checkout on the vendor's own website.
- Is the site free to use?
- Yes. RUO Codes is completely free for visitors. You never need an account to browse vendors, view codes, or use tools like the dosage calculator.
- Do you earn a commission from vendors?
- Some links may be affiliate or referral links, meaning we can earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. This helps keep the site free. It does not change which vendors we list or how we rank them; vendors and codes are included based on whether they meet our standards, not on what we earn.
- How do I use a coupon code once I find one?
- Copy the code from the vendor's listing, go to that vendor's website, add your items to the cart, and paste the code into the "discount" or "promo code" field at checkout. The discount applies before you pay. If a code doesn't work, try any other active codes listed for that vendor.
- How often are codes updated?
- We review and refresh codes regularly. Vendors change promotions frequently, so codes are added and retired as they go live or expire. Community voting also helps surface which codes are currently working.
- How do I report a code that no longer works?
- If a code is expired or invalid, downvote it so other users know, or reach out through our Contact page. Reports help us keep listings accurate for everyone.
Vendors & vetting
- How do vendors get listed on RUO Codes?
- Vendors are added after they meet our baseline requirements for transparency and product testing. Anyone can suggest a vendor through our Submit a Vendor page, and we review each submission before it goes live.
- What is your minimum requirement for listing a vendor?
- At minimum, a vendor must provide third-party testing (a Certificate of Analysis) for their products and operate transparently. We prioritize suppliers that publish testing, list purity, and have a track record within the research community.
- What is a Certificate of Analysis (COA), and why does it matter?
- A Certificate of Analysis is a lab report — ideally from an independent third-party lab — that verifies a compound's identity and purity. It's the single most important document when evaluating a research peptide, because it confirms you're getting what's on the label at the stated purity.
- What is third-party testing and why should I care?
- Third-party testing means the product was analyzed by an independent lab, not just the vendor itself. Independent results are far harder to fake and give you confidence in purity and identity. We strongly favor vendors who publish third-party COAs.
- Can I submit a vendor I trust?
- Absolutely. Use the Submit a Vendor page to send us a vendor, and we'll review whether they meet our standards before adding them to the site.
Research peptides 101
- What is a research peptide?
- Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins. "Research peptides" are compounds sold strictly for laboratory and research purposes, not for human consumption. They're studied for areas like tissue repair, metabolism, and cellular signaling.
- What does "for research use only" mean?
- "For research use only" means the product is intended exclusively for in-vitro (laboratory) study and is not approved or labeled for human or veterinary use. Vendors sell these compounds under that designation, and it is the buyer's responsibility to comply with all applicable laws.
- Are research peptides legal to buy?
- In most regions it is legal to buy peptides labeled for research purposes, but regulations vary by country and jurisdiction, and they are not approved for human use. Always check the laws that apply to you before purchasing. Nothing on this site is legal or medical advice.
- What is the difference between lyophilized powder and a pre-mixed solution?
- Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides come as a dry powder that must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use — they're more stable for shipping and long-term storage. Pre-mixed solutions arrive already in liquid form, which is convenient but generally less stable over time. Most research peptides are sold lyophilized.
- How do I find the best price on a specific compound?
- Search for the compound in our Encyclopedia or browse the vendor listings, then compare the active codes and sales we track across suppliers. Stacking a current discount code with a sale is usually the cheapest route, and our dosage calculator can help you compare true cost-per-dose between vial sizes.