How The Antioxidant Glutathione Works

How The Antioxidant Glutathione Works

How Glutathione Works: The Antioxidant Behind Glowing, Healthy Skin

Published by Glutagem Wellness | Backed by Clinical Research

Glutathione (GSH) is often called the “master antioxidant” for good reason. Found in every cell of your body, it plays a powerful role in protecting your skin, detoxifying your liver, and supporting immune and cellular health. But how exactly does it work – and more importantly, can taking a glutathione supplement actually improve your skin?

At Glutagem, we’ve clinically designed our high-strength glutathione supplement to work at the cellular level. Here’s what science has to say.

What Is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a tripeptide – a small protein made up of three amino acids: glutamine, cysteine, and glycine. Your body produces it naturally, but levels decline as you age or under stress, poor diet, pollution, alcohol, smoking, UV exposure, or illness.

The Core Function: Antioxidant Defence

Your skin is constantly exposed to oxidative stress from UV rays, free radicals, and environmental toxins. These stressors damage collagen, accelerate ageing, and increase pigmentation.

Glutathione’s main job is to:

  • Neutralise free radicals
  • Reduce oxidative stress
  • Regenerate other antioxidants (like vitamins C and E)
  • Support detoxification in the liver

Clinical Study:
A double-blind placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology (2014) found that oral glutathione (500 mg/day for 4 weeks) significantly reduced melanin levels and improved skin brightness in Asian women.

Glutathione & Skin Lightening: What the Research Shows

Glutathione affects skin tone through several mechanisms:

  • Inhibits tyrosinase – the enzyme responsible for melanin (pigment) production
  • Shifts melanin production from darker eumelanin to lighter pheomelanin
  • Reduces inflammation that can worsen acne, pigmentation, and dullness

Study Spotlight:
A 2012 study (Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol) showed that oral reduced glutathione significantly lightened skin in volunteers over 8 weeks compared to placebo – with no serious side effects.


Why “Reduced” Glutathione Matters

There are two forms of glutathione:

  • Reduced (L-Glutathione) – the active, antioxidant form
  • Oxidised (GSSG) – inactive after use

Glutagem uses only reduced glutathione to ensure clinical activity at the cellular level. This form is more stable and bioavailable, especially when combined with absorption enhancers like Vitamin C and BioPerine® (black pepper extract).

Can Supplements Actually Raise Your Glutathione Levels?

Yes – if formulated properly. While some oral glutathione is broken down in the gut, studies show that high-dose reduced glutathione (500–1000 mg) combined with precursors (e.g. NAC, Glutamine, ALA) and cofactors (e.g. Vitamin C, Selenium) can raise systemic glutathione levels and improve skin tone and antioxidant status.

A 2017 review (Dermatol Ther) concluded:
“Supplementation with reduced glutathione or its precursors has shown promise in improving skin lightness, elasticity, and overall skin quality.”

Glutagem: More Than Just Glutathione

Glutagem isn’t just glutathione in a capsule – it’s a clinically inspired antioxidant complex designed to support:

  • Skin brightness and glow
  • Acne and pigmentation reduction
  • Detoxification and skin clarity
  • Cellular and immune health

Each daily dose includes:

  • 1000 mg Reduced Glutathione
  • 1000 mg Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)
  • 600 mg NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine)
  • 200 mg L-Glutamine
  • 150 mg Alpha Lipoic Acid
  • Zinc, Selenium, Biotin
  • BioPerine® for enhanced absorption

Is It Safe?

Glutathione and its precursors – including glutamine – are naturally produced in the body and have no known toxicity when taken in recommended doses. Our formula is free from fillers, artificial colours, gluten, soy, or dairy – and fully compliant with UK food supplement laws.

Best Results: Combine with Topical Skincare

For best results, we recommend combining Glutagem with gentle exfoliants, SPF, and topical antioxidants. Glutathione works from the inside-out, improving the foundation of your skin health, while topical skincare protects the outer layers.

In Summary: How Glutathione + Glutamine Work for Your Skin

✔ Neutralises free radicals
✔ Reduces pigmentation and uneven skin tone
✔ Boosts glutathione production and antioxidant levels
✔ Detoxifies the skin and body
✔ Supports collagen synthesis and anti-ageing
✔ Helps maintain clear, smooth, radiant skin

Key Clinical References

  • Weschawalit et al. (2014). Effect of oral glutathione on skin pigmentation. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.
  • Arjinpathana & Asawanonda (2012). Glutathione as a skin-whitening agent. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.
  • Cruzat et al. (2020). Glutamine: Metabolism and immune function. Nutrients.
  • Zubair et al. (2017). Glutathione for skin whitening: A review. Dermatol Ther.
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