Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) exploded in popularity because they promised many of the anabolic benefits of steroids without some of the side effects. But with that popularity came a dark side: the black market.
While SARMs can be legitimate when sourced from reputable labs for research purposes, the majority of what’s circulating online is unregulated, mislabeled, or outright fake. For a bodybuilder, that’s more than just wasted money—it’s a serious health and performance risk.
This is your real-world guide to navigating the SARMs black market, spotting fakes, and protecting yourself.
Why the SARM Black Market Exists
SARMs aren’t approved for human use by the FDA or similar agencies in most countries. That means:
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No legal supplement companies can sell them as dietary supplements.
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They’re only available for research purposes in most markets.
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Demand far exceeds legitimate supply.
This gap creates a wild west of underground labs, online “research chemical” sites, and even shady sellers on social media platforms.
With no mandatory quality control, it’s easy for bad actors to sell underdosed, contaminated, or completely fake products.
The Risks of Black Market SARMs
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Underdosed or Mislabeled Compounds
Studies have found that a large percentage of SARMs sold online contain less than half of the label-claimed dose—or no SARM at all. -
Cross-Contamination
Poor manufacturing conditions can lead to contamination with prohormones, steroids, or other dangerous compounds. -
Toxic Additives
Some shady labs use harmful fillers, heavy metals, or solvents to cut costs. -
False Confidence
Thinking you’re on a legitimate cycle when you’re actually taking nothing—or something entirely different—can ruin training progress and PCT planning.
How to Spot Fake or Low-Quality SARMs
1. Price That’s Too Good to Be True
Legitimate SARMs aren’t cheap. If someone is offering a month’s supply of RAD-140 for $20, it’s almost guaranteed to be fake or dangerously underdosed.
2. No Third-Party Lab Reports
A credible source should have HPLC or LC-MS/MS testing results from a trusted third-party lab.
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Check that the batch number on the report matches the one on your product.
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Beware of reused or photoshopped lab reports—Google reverse image search can sometimes reveal duplicates.
3. No Batch or Lot Number
Professional labs always mark products with a lot number for traceability. No batch info = big red flag.
4. Suspicious Labeling
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Vague dosing instructions (“take as needed”)
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No chemical name (only marketing names)
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No purity percentage listed
5. Poor Packaging
Legit labs use sealed containers, proper tamper-evident packaging, and UV-protective bottles for liquids or caps. Sloppy packaging often means sloppy product quality.
Legitimate SARM Sources vs. Black Market
| Factor | Legit Research Supplier | Black Market Seller |
|---|---|---|
| Lab Testing | Verified HPLC or LC-MS/MS | None or fake reports |
| Packaging | Professional, sealed, labeled | Generic, unsealed, blank |
| Price | Consistent with market rate | Very cheap or inconsistent |
| Transparency | Clear contact, returns policy | Hidden identity, no contact |
| Purity Claims | Backed by data | Just marketing talk |
Safe Buying Tips for SARMs
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Demand and Verify Lab Tests
A real supplier will send full testing results upon request—don’t settle for screenshots or cropped images. -
Check the Community
Forums like Reddit’s r/sarmssourcetalk or bodybuilding boards often have feedback on reliable sellers. -
Start with a Test Order
Order a single product and verify effects and packaging before committing to a bulk buy. -
Know the Compound’s Profile
If you start a cycle of LGD-4033 and feel nothing after two weeks, something’s wrong.
Signs You Might Have Fake SARMs During a Cycle
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No strength increase after 2–3 weeks on an effective dose
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No side effects at all (some suppression, pumps, or changes should be noticeable with real SARMs)
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Unexpected side effects—like signs of methylated steroids when you didn’t plan for them
What to Do If You Suspect You Got a Fake or Contaminated Batch
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Stop immediately if side effects feel extreme or unusual
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Get bloodwork to check hormone levels and liver enzymes
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Report the source on SARM community boards to protect others
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Reassess your sourcing strategy before restarting
Final Word for Serious Lifters
The black market for SARMs is a minefield. Even experienced bodybuilders get burned by convincing-looking fakes. If you’re going to use them, treat sourcing like you would treat your cycle planning—with precision, research, and a zero-compromise attitude toward quality.
Remember:
Bad SARMs won’t just fail to build muscle—they can derail months of training, wreck your health markers, and throw off your hormone balance. Protect your gains by protecting your source.
