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Glutathione

★ 75

L-Glutathione (GSH, reduced)

Master antioxidant for detoxification and skin health

Anti-Aging
Half-life
Plasma half-life under 10 minutes (IV); effects from regular dosing fade within weeks of stopping
Route
Oral, liposomal, or subcutaneous
Cycle
Visible skin effects
Status
Mixed human RCT data for skin lightening; injectable forms unapproved with FDA safety warnings

About

A tripeptide of cysteine, glutamine, and glycine that serves as the body's most abundant endogenous antioxidant. Produced in every cell, glutathione neutralizes reactive oxygen species, recycles vitamins C and E, and supports phase II liver detoxification. Available as oral capsules, liposomal preparations, sublingual lozenges, subcutaneous injection, and intravenous infusion. Best-studied human effect is modest, reversible skin lightening; injectable use carries notable safety concerns and is not FDA-approved.

Mechanism

Donates electrons via its cysteine thiol to neutralize free radicals, then is recycled by glutathione reductase. Inhibits the melanin-producing enzyme tyrosinase, shifting eumelanin synthesis toward lighter pheomelanin. Cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase detoxification pathways.

Dosage

beginner

Amount
250-500 mg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Oral (capsule) or liposomal
Duration
4-8 weeks

standard

Amount
500-1,000 mg
Frequency
Once daily oral, or 200-600 mg 2-3x/week SubQ
Route
Oral, liposomal, or subcutaneous
Duration
8-12 weeks

advanced

Amount
600-1,200 mg
Frequency
1-2x weekly
Route
Intravenous (clinic-administered)
Duration
4-12 weeks under supervision
Timing

Empty stomach is traditional but not proven necessary. Injectable doses morning or early afternoon. Stack with NAC and vitamin C to support endogenous regeneration.

Cycle structure

Visible skin effects appear 2-4 weeks in, plateau over 4-12 weeks. All effects reverse within weeks of stopping. No strict cycling required for oral; injectable users typically run 8-12 week blocks with breaks.

Reconstitution & Storage

1,200 mg lyophilized + 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 400 mg/mL

Some products ship as ready-to-inject solution (no reconstitution needed). Inject water down vial wall and swirl gently — do not shake.

Lyophilized vial: freezer at -20°C long-term. Reconstituted or pre-mixed solution: refrigerate at 2-8°C, protect from light. Discard if yellow or cloudy. Ready-to-inject solutions follow product label, typically 30 days refrigerated.

Benefits

  • • Modest, reversible skin lightening in sun-exposed areas
  • • Supports liver detoxification and phase II conjugation
  • • Replenishes systemic antioxidant capacity
  • • May improve NAFLD liver enzyme markers in small trials
  • • Reduces oxidative stress biomarkers

Side effects

  • • Oral: bloating, loose stools, mild cramping
  • • IV: flushing, dizziness, rare anaphylaxis
  • • Injectable: risk of endotoxin contamination (FDA warning 2019)
  • • Sulfur smell on breath or skin
  • • Rare acute liver injury reported with IV use

Contraindications

  • • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • • Asthma (inhaled forms may trigger bronchospasm)
  • • G6PD deficiency, especially with high-dose IV vitamin C
  • • Active sulfa allergy (caution)
  • • Concurrent chemotherapy without oncology approval

Gender notes

Men

No sex-specific dosing differences documented.

Women

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Skin-lightening effect commonly the primary use case.

Research

Stacks well with

NAD-PLUS GHK-CU EPITALON

Track Glutathione doses in the app

Built-in reconstitution calculator, dose log, and reminders. Free on Android.

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Educational use only. Not medical advice. Many peptides shown are not FDA-approved and remain research compounds. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.