Glutathione

Glutathione, or GSH, contains three amino acids and is an important antioxidant within cells. Oral products are marketed as dietary supplements. Wellness services also offer intravenous, injectable and inhaled preparations for pigment changes, antioxidant support and other uses. Those delivery forms should not be confused with an approved drug.

Inside cells, glutathione works with enzyme systems to neutralize reactive molecules and support detoxification. Its proposed pigment effect involves inhibiting tyrosinase and favoring production of lighter forms of melanin. An established biochemical function does not, by itself, demonstrate that a supplement or infusion achieves a marketed outcome in people.

Glutathione has no FDA drug approval. Oral supplements and compounded intravenous, injectable or inhaled preparations occupy different product categories. FDA has cautioned against using dietary-ingredient glutathione powder to prepare sterile injections after adverse events and contamination concerns. On the May 14, 2026 list of substances nominated for 503A compounding, glutathione is in category 1, meaning it is under evaluation; that listing is not drug approval.

Human results vary by indication and route. Selected studies report the following findings:

The studies demonstrate that human research exists, but do not establish a consistent, durable clinical benefit across these uses. Findings are generally modest and follow-up is limited.