Ingredient glossary
Glutathione
INCI: Glutathione · Also: Reduced Glutathione, GSH
A reasonable supporting ingredient. It helps a formula without being the star.
What it does
- antioxidant
- brightening
moderate evidenceSystematic reviews and small RCTs indicate that topical two percent oxidized glutathione and oral five hundred milligram dosing can reduce melanin index and improve some aging markers in sun exposed skin but data quality and consistency are limited.
On a label: usually effective at 2%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- pigmentation
- photoaged
- normal
- combo
Approach with care
No specific group flagged to avoid it.
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
Pregnancy: Check with your doctor before using during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Plays well with
- vitamin c
- niacinamide
- other brighteners
This, for every label you own
One ingredient is easy. A full label is where it gets confusing. The Ingredient Decoder reads any product and tells you the honest truth, ingredient by ingredient.
Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.