From “glow-up" injections to anti-ageing shortcuts, peptides are suddenly everywhere. They’re pushed by influencers, sold through murky online stores, and even creep into mainstream wellness culture. 

But while some peptides are well established in medicine — from insulin to drugs like Ozempic — a growing number of injectable products being promoted online are completely unregulated and not approved for human use. So, what exactly are people buying… and injecting? 

Ciara Doherty looks at the rapid rise of the peptide boom, the social media hype driving it, and the very real risks behind the trend. With younger audiences increasingly exposed to “looksmaxxing” culture and quick-fix beauty promises, are people turning themselves into test subjects for products with little to no clinical backing? Skin expert Eavanna Breen and Future Beauty CEO Nikki Dwyer join the podcast to separate fact from fiction, explain the science behind peptides, and ask whether regulation is falling dangerously behind a fast-moving trend. 

📩 Email your thoughts to newstalkdaily@newstalk.com or find Ciara on Instagram @officialciarad 

🌐 Learn more from Eavanna Breen 

Explore expert skin advice and treatments at: https://www.eavannabreen.ie/ 

🎙️ Check out Nikki Dwyer’s podcast, Fess Up 

Honest chats on beauty, business and more: https://www.goloudnow.com/podcasts/fess-up-1048