A to Z / Longevity

Glutathione

Also known as GSH, reduced glutathione, L-glutathione.

Best known for The antioxidant tripeptide used in IV drips and skin-lightening injections

Evidence★★☆☆☆

Safety dataModerately characterised

Route Oral · IV · nebulised · topical

United StatesOral supplement lawful; injectable compounded, not FDA-approved

AustraliaOral supplement lawful; injectable Schedule 4

as at 16 September 2026

What it is

Glutathione is a tripeptide (glutamate, cysteine, glycine) and the body's principal intracellular antioxidant. It is central to cellular defence and detoxification. Oral glutathione is a lawful supplement; injectable forms are not approved.

It belongs in this book because it is a peptide, and because it is widely used as IV “drips” and, in parts of Asia, as a skin-whitening injection.

What the full entry covers

The book carries the rest of this entry:

Where the research stands, with every claim cited
What people commonly ask, and what the research shows so far
Dosing in four labelled bands, described and not recommended
Side effects, serious risks, cautions and interactions
Questions to discuss with your doctor
How it compares with Carnosine, NAD+ and Precursors, Collagen Peptides

Related entries

CarnosineThe muscle dipeptide used as an anti-glycation supplement · Evidence ★★★☆☆
NAD+ and PrecursorsThe longevity supplement popular across the peptide community · Evidence ★★★☆☆
Collagen PeptidesThe peptide most people have already taken · Evidence ★★★☆☆

A certificate of analysis tells you what is in a vial. The evidence rating above tells you whether the compound has been shown to work in humans. Neither answers the other's question. How to read a certificate of analysis.

This page describes what is known and not known about Glutathione. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use it.