Glutathione is a natural protein molecule that is naturally found in a majority of lifeforms – from plants, animals to bacteria and even little mushrooms. It’s a vital part of maintaining energy in cells and reducing harmful by-products (free radicals). It’s very much like a cleanser for your cells, that works hard to regulate a safe environment. 

Skin lightening treatments have been a dramatic staple of beauty for decades. People have chased the aesthetic of lighter, whiter skin across the world for a long time. Although an incredibly unhealthy pursuit (for a lot of reasons), there is an important role for pigment lightening treatments in helping to balance dark patches in skin where it might cause concern or embarrassment for individual users.

It’s important to ensure you are pursing healthy skin – rather than something unobtainable which can actually cause damaging side effects. In fact, when glutathione was discovered to help lighten skin – the immediate thought for some was to start injecting it in their veins. Let’s not quite go that far! 

So, taking the drama aside – does adding a little glutathione to your skin cream help? In short, yes! As a topical treatment, glutathione inhibits melanin (the molecule responsible for creating darker pigment in our skin). Using it over a period of 6 weeks, when our skin barrier refreshes, will help dutifully lighten and clear dark patches of skin or remnants of scarring.

It’s important to note, specifically for topical use (i.e. placing on your skin) glutathione is highly safe. It is a little protein molecule, after all, with very little damage it can do. Some people take glutathione tablets which have had mixed benefits (although it helps lighten skin it caused indigestion and may interact with other medications). 

It does lead to irritation in some – redness, irritation and appearance of a rash. In which case, glutathione should likely be stopped as this indicates an allergy, rather than a natural side effect of the formula. If you do have irritation, it might be less at a lower dose – but it’s likely doing more harm than good if your skin is reacting to it and it might be better to seek out some other alternatives (i.e. Kojic acid or soothing alpha arbutin). 

Simply put, besides protecting your natural skin health, glutathione also stops pigment forming in new skin. That way, when your skin cycle naturally finishes (after ~ 6 weeks) you form a lighter, more even skin tone. In clinical study of glutathione, as much as 2% over 10 weeks yielded clearly visible results and improved skin hydration and softened rough skin – creating a neat balance of good. Over 90 days of treatment, there was a 67% reduction of melasma (grey/brown skin patches) with 2% glutathione. It was also shown to be safe when used with microneedling. 

Celimax Tone-Up Glutathione Cream 
This lightweight cream is an easy favourite for brightening and moisturizing, whilst gently toning up your face. It does leave a white cast on darker skin tones and can pill under make-up – meaning it has a limited use for morning routines. But if you have a more oily skin types, it can perform a soft, matte coverage as it dries with a powder finish. For dry skin types, however, it won’t be the ideal cream for you. 

Mary and May Tranexamic Acid + Glutathione Eye Cream 

This is a favourite in South Korea and currently one of the most popular eye creams. With the strong combination of brightening tranexamic acid (TXA – 0.1%) to lift dark circles and glutathione (0.1%) which hydrates and smooths, this eye cream is incredibly gentle to match the thinner skin of your undereye, whilst also providing deep hydration. 

Medicube AGE-R Glutathione Glow Toner 

Medicube brags their glutathione soothing combo will have your skin turn to glass in no time! With a lightening combination of alpha-arbutin, turmeric, brightening niacinamide mixed with Vitamin C – this toner packs a punch of radiance. All of these work to lift, hydrate and refine skin tone, whilst also softening texture. All delivered in a milky soft package that improves elasticity and leaves a lasting glow. It’s delightful for dry skin types to balance and smooth skin tone – but it does have a strong fragrance, so if you are sensitive to those, it might be worth trying another product. 

Abib Glutathiosome Dark Spot Serum Vita Drop 

Abib promises brighter and even skin tone with their carefully formulated combination of glutathione, niacinamide and Vitamin C to vanish dull skin and lift pigment, creating visible change within 2 weeks. It is designed to be safe, even for sensitive skin and absorbs quickly with a tingly texture. It is perfect for dry, combination and sensitive skin – although it’d likely be a bit heavy for oily skin. But, if you’re looking to brighten and even tone – this is one of the top glutathione-based serums available! 

Numbuzin No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad 

It couldn’t be anyone else, but our favourite brightening and refreshing pad treatment to brighten dark spots and relieve signs of pigment and irritation. Numbuzin packs the world into their Number 5 series – from their brightening serum to their brightening, golden sheet mask set. Their delightfully, cleansing concentrated pads are double sided, with a soft and infusing jelly side that is left on for five minutes to soak skin and a cotton, exfoliating side that gently wipes away dead skin cells for clearer, softer skin. With niacinamide, Vitamin C, tranexamic acid, Vitamin B12 mixed with glutathione this all-round treatment provides a strong (yet gentle) brightening experience. 

This pad tackles dark spots, blemishes and acne – and provides vast hydration and most people note results within a few uses. If you are curious about glutathione, but want a well-rounded treatment for dark spots – this remains a strong favourite. 

What is Glutathione? 
Glutathione is a strong antioxidant that is naturally produced in skin to maintain cell energy, prevent DNA damage and helps inhibit melanin formation. Using it topically leads to whiter, clearer skin due to this mechanism. It doesn’t lead to any damage of existing skin, causes no bleaching or irritation. It is an overall great addition to your skincare routine – especially if you are struggling with small patches of pigment.  

Can Glutathione be Used with Retinol or Vitamin C? 
As glutathione is not an active molecule, it can be used smoothly with other topicals. If used after retinol, it provides a gentle and soothing hydration. And for hyperpigmentation, it is often combined with Vitamin C to create a brightening, powerful duo. Due to its calming and soothing effect, it works well with a variety of skincare products. 

 
Why does Glutathione irritate my skin? 
Glutathione is a small protein that does not have any abrasive traits that should lead to irritation. If a glutathione cream is causing redness, irritation or a rash – it is most likely another ingredient in the product, or your skin does not work with glutathione, and it should be stopped immediately.  
 
Glutathione should be only hydrating and calming – so if your skin is reacting to it, act quickly and be sure to avoid it in future.