Ep 404 – Gray Market Peptides

Peptides in skin care span everything from well-researched cosmetic ingredients to highly unregulated compounds circulating in the "research" market.  In this episode of *ASCP Esty Talk*, Maggie and Ella break down a quick peptide primer, explore the difference between cosmetic and bioactive peptides, and unpack the legal and regulatory gray areas behind "research only" compounds, including how they entered the market and why oversight matters. *ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk*   Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire.  **About Ella Cressman:**  Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry.   **Connect with Ella Cressman:**  Website: www.hhpcollective.com  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a    **About Maggie Staszcuk:**  Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers.   **Connect with Maggie Staszcuk:**  P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636  E: [MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com](mailto:MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com)    **About our Sponsors:** **Massage Envy** is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician  Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy   **GlossGenius** Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love **GlossGenius** — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ascp for more details.   **About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP):**    Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member.  **Connect with ASCP:**  Website: www.ascpskincare.com  Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com  Phone: [800-789-0411](file:///Users/ckelliher/Desktop/Show%20Notes/ASCP%20Esty%20Talk/800-789-0411)  Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare  Instagram: @ascpskincare