Also called GSH, L-glutathione, Reduced glutathione
Your body's main built-in antioxidant, sold as pills, shots and drips for skin and 'detox'.
Glutathione is a tiny peptide made of just three amino acids (protein building blocks). Your liver and other cells make it every day. It's sold as pills, creams, shots and IV drips, mostly for skin lightening and 'detox'.
It soaks up harmful molecules that damage cells, and it helps the liver clear out toxins. In skin, it pushes pigment cells to make lighter pigment instead of dark. Your body keeps tight control of its own levels, so taking more doesn't always mean more gets where you want it.
Some human studies
One good 6-month trial found 1,000 mg a day of pills raised the body's stores by about 30%. Small studies of pills and creams show mild skin lightening at best, and recent reviews call the evidence for shots and drips weak and short-term, with safety concerns. No trial shows it treats or prevents disease in healthy people.
Why: This is the range used in a 6-month trial against a dummy pill. The higher dose raised body levels more.
Why: This is common clinic and community practice, not tested in trials. It often stings, so people keep the shot small and switch spots.
Why: Skin clinics use this a lot, especially in Asia, but there's no approved dose. The FDA has warned about contaminated glutathione being used in injections.
Start at the low end, and change one thing at a time. If you take medication or have a health condition, check with a doctor first.
Set up for a 200 mg vial. Change any number to match yours. New to this? Read how to mix a vial and mg vs mL vs units first.
Pick your dose and how long you'll run it. We'll count what you need.
Get help right away for swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, chest pain, or a spreading, hot, red injection site.
Pills: room temperature, kept dry. Powder: fridge, out of the light. Once mixed: fridge, and use within about 1–2 weeks, since it breaks down in water.
FDA: Not approved as a drug for any use. Sold as a dietary supplement. FDA has warned compounders not to use supplement-grade glutathione in sterile injections after patients were harmed.
Sport (WADA): Glutathione itself is not banned, but IV infusions or injections over 100 mL per 12 hours are prohibited (M2.2) unless given during hospital care.
Yes, a really small one. It's just three amino acids joined together.
In a 6-month trial, 1,000 mg a day of pills did raise body levels. It took weeks, and levels dropped after people stopped.
It isn't approved for that anywhere in the US. The evidence is weak, and bad batches have caused reactions. If you use it, go to a licensed clinic that uses pharmacy-grade product.
Last checked 2026-10