Glutathione is a tripeptide antioxidant (composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine) used in skincare for its purported skin-lightening and antioxidant effects, partly via inhibition of melanin synthesis. Evidence for topical efficacy is limited and largely derived from oral and intravenous studies.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation or contact dermatitis | Uncommon | May occur with topical application, especially in sensitive skin. |
Gastrointestinal discomfort | Uncommon | Reported mainly with oral supplementation, not topical use. |
Skin rash or allergic reaction | Rare | Hypersensitivity responses possible in predisposed individuals. |
Stevens-Johnson syndrome / serious skin reactions | Very rare | Reported in association with intravenous (injectable) use; not topical. |
Renal or other systemic adverse effects | Very rare | Concerns raised primarily with high-dose intravenous administration. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.