Glutathione
Small human studies for skin, mostly of oral forms. Weak and inconsistent evidence for injectable use.
At a glance. A natural antioxidant present in every cell, widely marketed for skin lightening on evidence that does not support the claims.
Written and maintained by the AVERON Research Desk · Last reviewed September 2026
What it is
Glutathione is a tripeptide made of three amino acids: glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. It is found in every cell of the body, where it is the main antioxidant, neutralising reactive molecules and helping the liver process toxins.
It is not a hormone and not a signalling peptide. Its popularity comes almost entirely from its use for skin lightening, which is based on the observation that it can shift the pigment melanin towards a lighter form.
What researchers study it for
Skin pigmentation and melasma, oxidative stress, liver conditions and, as an injectable, as an adjunct in some cancer chemotherapy.
What the research shows
The strongest human evidence for skin comes from small randomised trials of oral glutathione. A trial by Arjinpathana and Asawanonda, published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment in 2012, reported a modest reduction in skin melanin with oral glutathione over four weeks. Results across studies have been inconsistent, and effects have been small and temporary.
For injected glutathione, the evidence is weaker still. A detailed review by Sonthalia, Daulatabad and Sarkar, published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology in 2016, concluded that evidence for injectable glutathione as a skin-lightening agent was lacking, and raised safety concerns.
What it does not do, and what is not known
- There is no good evidence that injected glutathione lightens skin.
- Any lightening seen with oral forms has been modest and fades when it is stopped.
- It is not a detox treatment in any proven sense.
- No regulator has approved an injectable product for skin lightening.
- There are no established guidelines for its use for skin in any form.
Adverse effects reported in research
The Philippine Food and Drug Administration has issued a formal advisory against the use of injectable glutathione for skin lightening, noting reports of adverse effects. Reported problems associated with intravenous use include allergic reactions, which can be severe, and effects on the liver, kidneys and nervous system. Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a serious skin reaction, has also been reported.
Regulatory and anti-doping status
Regulatory: The Philippine FDA states that no injectable product is approved for skin lightening, and that injectable glutathione is approved there only as an adjunct to cisplatin chemotherapy.
Anti-doping: Glutathione is not on WADA's Prohibited List. WADA separately prohibits intravenous infusions or injections of more than 100 mL in any 12-hour period outside legitimate medical treatment (method M2.2).
At AVERON
Supplied as research-grade material, Glutathione 600 mg.
Independent lab report: 87411_7WKFCLHT7K6R
Frequently asked questions
Doses mentioned on this page are the arms of published studies or the terms of an approved product, given to describe the evidence. They are not guidance.
Sources
- Sonthalia S, Daulatabad D, Sarkar R.. Glutathione as a skin whitening agent: facts, myths, evidence and controversies. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2016;82(3):262–272. Link
- Arjinpathana N, Asawanonda P.. Glutathione as an oral whitening agent: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2012;23(2):97–102. Link
- Food and Drug Administration, Philippines. FDA Advisory No. 2019-182: Unsafe use of glutathione as skin lightening agent. Philippine FDA. Link
- World Anti-Doping Agency. The Prohibited List. WADA. Link