Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

L-glutathione is an antioxidant that has gained popularity in skin care, particularly for its purported skin-lightening and anti-aging properties. The scientific evidence supporting its use is limited but growing. Several small clinical trials have evaluated oral and topical glutathione for effects on skin pigmentation and general skin health. Some studies, such as a 2014 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, found that oral glutathione supplementation led to a modest but statistically significant reduction in melanin indices, especially in sun-exposed areas. Other studies suggest improvements in skin elasticity and wrinkle reduction, likely due to glutathione’s antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

However, the overall quality of evidence is low: most studies have small sample sizes, short durations, and often lack long-term safety data. Additionally, there is debate about the bioavailability of oral glutathione, as much of it may be broken down in the digestive tract before reaching systemic circulation. Topical formulations face challenges of skin penetration. The use of intravenous glutathione for skin lightening is not FDA-approved and has been associated with safety concerns.

In summary, while there is some preliminary scientific evidence suggesting that L-glutathione may benefit skin tone and general skin health due to its antioxidant effects, robust, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for skin care purposes. Its use is thus supported by weak scientific evidence rather than strong traditional or historical precedent.

More about L-glutathione
More about Skin Care (general)

Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)

Other health conditions supported by L-glutathione

Products containing L-glutathione

Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes Bio-Gest
Designs For Health Amino-D-Tox™
Designs For Health Amino-D-Tox™
Metagenics BioPure Protein® Powder
Metagenics Bone Builder Active
Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Metagenics Echinacea Synergy
Douglas Laboratories Free Form Amino
Integrative Therapeutics Glutathione Cell Defense
Thorne Glutathione-SR NSF
Metagenics ImmuCore
Metagenics Immune Defense Pack
Integrative Therapeutics K-PAX MitoNutrients
Designs For Health L-Glutathione Power™
Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Glutathione
Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Glutathione
Designs For Health Liposomal Glutathione
Douglas Laboratories Liposomal Glutathione
Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Glutathione
Pure Encapsulations Macular Support Formula
Pure Encapsulations Macular Support Formula
Thorne MediClear Plus
Designs For Health Metal-X-Synergy™
Designs For Health NOx Synergy™
Designs For Health PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health PaleoCleanse Plus™
Designs For Health PaleoCleanse Plus™ Detox Program
Designs For Health PaleoCleanse Plus™Chocolate Detox Kit
Integrative Therapeutics Panplex 2-Phase
Metagenics Perfect Protein® Pea & Rice Chocolate Powder
Metagenics Perfect Protein Pea & Rice Vanilla Powder
Metagenics Perfect Protein Whey Chocolate
Metagenics Perfect Protein Whey Vanilla
Designs For Health Plant Protein Cleanse
Designs For Health Plant Protein Cleanse Plus™ 570g
Vitabase Prostate Complex (Formerly Prostate Complete)
Designs For Health Prostate Supreme™
Designs For Health Prostate Supreme™
Integrative Therapeutics ProThrivers Wellness Flav Complex
Pure Encapsulations Reduced Glutathione
Pure Encapsulations Reduced Glutathione
Designs For Health S-Acetyl Glutathione Synergy
Vitabase Super Antioxidant Formula
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control® Chocolate
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Chocolate
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics Ultra Potent-C 500
Metagenics Ultra Potent-C Powder
Metagenics Ultra Prostagen Concentrated
Pure Encapsulations Ultra Pure Pack
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish® Chocolate
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Chocolate
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein® Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein French Vanilla
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein Plain
Metagenics UltraMeal Cardio 360°® Pea/Rice Chocolate
Metagenics UltraMeal Cardio 360° Pea/Rice Vanilla
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Douglas Laboratories Uro-Pro ®
Vitabase Vision Support