Glutathione, explained
An antioxidant your body makes naturally, now trending in brightening serums. Here’s what the research says about putting it on your skin.
Research growing
What it is
Glutathione is an antioxidant made by your own cells. In skincare it’s used to brighten and even out skin tone, as it’s thought to shift melanin production towards a lighter form.
What the research shows
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 30 women applied a 2% glutathione lotion to one side of the face for 10 weeks. That side became slightly lighter, smoother and better hydrated than the placebo side.
Watanabe and colleagues, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2014 [1]
That’s one small, encouraging trial. Glutathione supplements and injections are a different matter, with weaker evidence and safety concerns, and aren’t covered here.
Who it suits
Dull skin or uneven tone, and anyone who’d like a gentle brightening ingredient alongside better-proven ones. It’s generally well tolerated.
How to use it after 40
- Use a glutathione serum morning or night after cleansing.
- Pair it with daily sunscreen, or dark spots will keep coming back.
- For stronger evidence on dark spots, also look at niacinamide, tranexamic acid and vitamin C.
Sources
This page is general information, not medical advice. Last updated 4 November 2026.
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