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Glutathione

INCI: Glutathione
Also known as: GSH, Master antioxidant
AntioxidantsantioxidantbiotechEmerging evidencePregnancy safe
72
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
0/5
Irritancy
1/5
Best applied
Both
Effective range
0.5%–2%
How It Works

The body's master antioxidant tripeptide. Topically supports brightening and pheomelanin shift; oral/IV use for skin lightening is unregulated and controversial.

Donates electrons to neutralise ROS, regenerates other antioxidants, and shifts melanocyte tyrosinase toward producing lighter pheomelanin over darker eumelanin.

pH Range
4.0–6.0
Benefits
  • Brightens
  • Master antioxidant
  • Supports detox enzymes
Proven For

What the evidence supports.

HyperpigmentationOxidative stress
Best For
  • All skin types
Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order
4/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration
2%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.5%–2%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Sulfur-rich foods (alliums, cruciferous) support endogenous GSH.

Skin Signals When You Need It
  • Sallow tone
For Estheticians & Professionals

IV and oral 'skin whitening' lacks safety data, guide clients toward topical only.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Glutathione.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Randomized Controlled Trial
Vitamin C showed comparable efficacy to hydroquinone for melasma treatment.
Espinal-Perez LE, Moncada B, Castanedo-Cazares JP
International Journal of Dermatology, 2004
View Study →
Randomized Controlled Trial
Niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes, reducing hyperpigmentation by up to 35%.
Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J et al.
British Journal of Dermatology, 2002
View Study →
Randomized Controlled Trial
Azelaic acid comparable to hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation with superior safety across all Fitzpatrick types.
Balina LM, Graupe K
International Journal of Dermatology, 1991
View Study →
Systematic Review
Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, accelerating skin aging through collagen degradation and barrier disruption.
Chen Y, Lyga J
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014
View Study →
Pairs Well With
Vitamin CAlpha Lipoic Acid
Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility

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The science behind Glutathione

1 study from the Intelligence Vault that discuss Glutathione.

Browse the Vault →