Spotlight On: Glutathione
The pathway of glutathione oxidation-reduction. Source: The Robert Edwards Group.
Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that is naturally found in the skin. Unfortunately, according to The Prescription for Nutritional Healing, glutathione levels decrease 30-35% over the course of one’s lifetime with normal aging. In the body, glutathione acts as an antioxidant and detoxifier, most prominently in the liver, kidneys, and bone marrow.
In the skin, glutathione has been found to be more prevalent in the epidermis (outermost layer of skin) than the dermis. Together with vitamin C, glutathione is actually one of the major water-soluble antioxidant metabolites naturally found in the cell, according to Dr. Rafaela M. Quiroga in the textbook Cosmetic Dermatology. Glutathione protects cells after an enzyme known as glutathione peroxidase catalyzes the reaction between glutathione and hydrogen peroxide, ultimately forming water and oxidized glutathione, which is a stable compound.
It has also been well-established that glutathione levels decrease with exposure to UV light, according to The Journal of Investigative Dermatology (amongst other sources), in a manner that is similar to other antioxidants, like vitamin C or vitamin E. With continued exposure to UV light, the lower levels of glutathione increase the skin’s susceptibility to UV-induced damage, as findings reported in Photochemistry and Photobiology suggest.
To supplement levels of glutathione, N-acetylcysteine is often taken as an oral supplement, which is converted to glutathione in the body. While typical dosages of N-acetylcysteine range from 250-1500 mg/day and no toxic level has been established as of yet by the FDA, check with your doctor to be safe, as side effects have been reported in some individuals.
Glutathione has also been shown to be an effective antioxidant when topically applied to the skin. However, the effects of glutathione can be enhanced by either lipoic acid or vitamin C, because these ingredients effectively recycle the antioxidant power of glutathione. For this reason, glutathione is best used in formulations with lipoic acid and/or vitamin C. One excellent formulation is Perricone Pore Refining Concealer ($35.00, Sephora.com), with glutathione and lipoic acid. Another is Philosophy When the Hope is Not Enough Facial Serum ($38.00, Sephora.com), with glutathione and vitamin C.
Overall, glutathione is a promising antioxidant. Because its levels naturally decrease with age, leaving the skin more susceptible to UV-induced damage, I think it seems like a good idea to use a cream or serum with glutathione. As always, consult with your derm if you have any concerns! 
As usual, a smart post. Keep up the great work. Thanks.
Comment by Girl-Woman | May 16, 2008
thanks for the great info- I like the Philosophy When Hope is not Enough line and this isn’t too expensive to try.
Comment by sofi76 | May 20, 2008
need to know whats your opinion on asian skin whitening pills that contain Glutathione? safty and do you really think they could produce results?
Comment by Nada | May 25, 2008
I haven’t actually personally read any studies showing the effects of glutathione on whitening Asian skin, so sorry about that. However, I do believe that there are other methods for lightening the skin that dermatologists recommend more frequently, such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, and even vitamin C in high concentrations. Be sure to talk to your dermatologist, who can give you really specific recommendations!
Comment by futurederm | May 25, 2008
Great info. I never heard of it. There are so many products out there. It makes finding and sticking with a beauty routine difficult.
Comment by Danielle | May 26, 2008
In some countries, some ppl use Glutathione either topical / iv etc for skin whitening. The antioxidant effect of Glutathione is working well. However, IV route is too aggressive tho.. Thus far, I think combination of antioxidants with other bleaching agents including hydroquinone, azeleic acid ,some plant extracts will work for whitening effect. PS . dont forget to wear sunscreen!
Comment by DermatologistUSA | May 29, 2008
Hi! Great post. Many glutathione oral supplements are sold in the Philippines for skin whitening. One time, some of these pills were found to contain significantly less (about 10%-50%) than the said content. This was shown over the news, and I think some of the suppliers had to stop or they filed lawsuits against the testing agency and the reporters. Of course, there were some that passed the test. I still think having a healthy lifestyle and wearing sunscreen are more effective.
Comment by Joyce | June 16, 2008