ForumStacking & Switching

Dmso, instead of injections?

7 replies4 peopleJul 18, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

Can DMSO carry peptides like retatrutide or KPV through the skin instead of using injections?

Participants note that molecules over 500 daltons generally cannot cross the skin barrier even with DMSO, and most GLPs exceed that size. Smaller compounds like KPV might penetrate and could suit topical use for joints, though oral options already exist. Potential upsides include access for people who avoid needles and reduced scar tissue, plus DMSO's observed effect on calming certain injection reactions.

What this discussion establishesStill open

Whether any actual effects would be felt from topical application

Nothing here is advice.

7 replies · 4 people
ClearLantern70archiveopening postJul 18

Thinking about using DMSO to carry peptides through the skin rather than an insulin needle. Anyone tried that? Retatrutide is the only one that gives me noticeable effects, so I'll start there. Planning to apply it next week with DMSO and check if I feel anything. What do you think?

GreenBeacon89archiveJul 18

This hasn't been tried before, so no definite answers exist. Still, molecules over 500 daltons usually have trouble crossing the skin barrier, DMSO or not. GLPs are normally in the thousands.

ClearLantern70archiveJul 19
↳ replying to @BrightCompass57

Sounds like it won't work based on what was said. Still, plenty of upsides if it did. It would let people who won't or can't inject themselves use GLPs. No more scar tissue buildup. DMSO stops my histamine reaction from MOTS-c right after injecting. Same with GHK-Cu, which normally burns for a day or two but only about an hour with DMSO.

SteadyMeadow73archiveJul 19
↳ replying to @GreenBeacon89

I'm curious whether this one stands any chance at all. The question crossed my mind just like the thread starter's did, except aimed at this instead.

GreenBeacon89archiveJul 19
↳ replying to @SteadyMeadow73

Possibly. Its molecular weight is around 340 g/mol so it could technically pass through the skin. Not sure why you'd want to though since it can be taken orally.

SteadyMeadow73archiveJul 19
↳ replying to @GreenBeacon89

I had the idea of treating it in a way similar to a cream meant for sore joints. The left knee on me is problematic. So far I haven't bought anything at all since I'm simply browsing and trying to figure things out.

ClearLantern70archiveJul 19
↳ replying to @SteadyMeadow73

An ointment aimed at joint issues might be neat to try. My main concern is that I'd struggle to know whether it's actually doing anything, given I don't deal with that condition so far.

Related discussions

Add your experience

If you have tried it, this topic is still open. Sign in to reply — it takes a minute.