Your Tote

Glutathione In Skin Care: Does It Work?

Exploring glutathione skin care, best practices, and benefits

Written by: 100% PURE®
Main_bright skin.jpg

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a massive amount of growth in the skin care industry. With it, we’ve also seen a surge of ingredients. These days, you’ll see azelaic acid, niacinamide, and bakuchiol. These are on top of the well-known skin care darlings like retinol, vitamin C, and salicylic acid.

So, at this point, surely we’ve seen everything, right? Think again! With the emergence of the new year, we can only expect to see more ingredients that can work wonders for our skin.

Today, we’re talking about one that hasn’t been discussed much, but we have a feeling it’s going to be big this year. Let’s talk about glutathione skin care, and how it can amplify your natural glow.


Skin Lightening Vs. Skin Brightening

Before we get into glutathione skin care, it’s important that we address something: oftentimes in skin care, glutathione is referred to as a “skin lightening” ingredient. However, we don’t use this term. Instead, we consider glutathione to be “brightening”. We’re about to explain why.

It’s very likely that at some point, you’ve heard the term “skin brightening” as a goal in glutathione skin care. There are tons of products on the market that claim to have skin brightening properties.

You may have heard the term “skin lightening” as well. While both terms may sound similar, the meanings behind them differ drastically.

The term “brightening” is essentially a marketing term used in glutathione skin care and other types of skin care. While it’s often used to describe a number of different features, it’s generally a category in anti-aging. Typically, brightening products are meant to target discoloration in the skin caused by factors like sun damage and acne scarring, and to reveal more vibrant, healthy-looking skin.

Skin “lightening”, on the other hand, has more harmful implications. Skin lightening products, also known as skin whitening or skin bleaching products, are typically targeted toward women of color. They’re marketed to reduce melanin levels in the skin.

While skin brightening products help maintain a healthy, natural glow, skin lightening rests on the assumption that lighter skin is more desirable. It feeds into the message that women must change their natural appearance in order to conform to society’s beauty standards.

On top of the harmful message these products send, they can also be quite harsh on the skin. That’s especially the case for those containing hydroquinone, which you can read more about here. That being said, we’re proponents of gentle skin brightening products that won’t alter your skin tone, but rather, polish and illuminate it.


What Is Glutathione?

So, what exactly is glutathione? It’s actually a type of antioxidant made up of a tripeptide complex with three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. Glutathione is naturally created in our bodies by the liver. It plays a key role in functions like tissue building, protein synthesis, chemical production, and immune strengthening.

And while this fascinating compound has a wealth of medical uses, it’s also an exceptional skin care ingredient. As a potent, non-enzymatic antioxidant, glutathione occurs in the skin to defend against environmental damage. It does so by blocking the enzyme that triggers melanin production in the skin.

However, glutathione’s production naturally declines as we age, much like collagen. It’s believed that this decline in production contributes to the onset of visible aging. Luckily, glutathione can actually be applied topically. It’s even been shown to help fight hyperpigmentation. Let’s take a quick dive into the science behind glutathione skin care.


Dark Spots.jpg
Can Glutathione Skin Care Help with Dark Spots?

As we briefly touched on before, glutathione is no stranger to the pharmaceutical industry. However, glutathione skin care is still a fairly new concept, with major studies only dating back to 2011. While there have been some inconclusive trials, there are some with promising results.

For instance, one 2016 review emphasized the results from three randomized trials, which demonstrated that glutathione was a safe substance that can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Meanwhile, a 2017 study from Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology concluded that a dilution of glutathione offered not only skin brightening benefits but helped with general anti-aging in the skin by smoothing wrinkles and promoting firmness.


Glutathione Skin Care Vs. Other Ingredients In Skin Care

While glutathione skin care isn’t talked about too much just yet, we predict we’re going to see it pop up a lot more this year. But of course, glutathione is not the only skin brightening ingredient on the market. So, if you can’t find a whole lot of products containing it just yet, don’t fret!

Good skin care happens all in good time. Until we see more glutathione skin care, here are some other ingredients that are sure to turn on the light in your skin.

Vitamin C
When we think of bright, dewy skin and how to get it, vitamin C is one of the first ingredients to come to mind. Vitamin C can help prevent the process of melanin production. It may even work well in tandem with glutathione. If you’re looking for a serious jumpstart to your vitamin C skin care, we offer a ton of options including our Vitamin C Serum, our Vitamin C Boost, and our Vitamin C Mask.

Retinol
Retinol is one of the most thoroughly researched skin care ingredients on the market. It’s recommended by dermatologists for both anti-aging and acne.

Retinol works by encouraging cell turnover in the skin for a brighter, more vibrant complexion. It comes in a wide range of concentrations that can be obtained both over the counter or with a prescription. You can also find it in several of our products, including our Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm, our Retinol Restorative Neck Cream, and our Retinol PM Eye Cream.

Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that plays an important role in cell metabolism. And, when used topically, it can disrupt the process of pigmentation in the cells, creating a brightening effect in the skin. If you’re looking to combat oil production and bring on the glow, our Niacinamide Boost fits seamlessly into any skin care routine.

We carefully hand-select products based on strict purity standards, and only recommend products we feel meet this criteria. 100% PURE™ may earn a small commission for products purchased through affiliate links.

The information in this article is for educational use, and not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as such.


Sign up to our email newsletter for more blog updates and exclusive discounts.

Older Post | Newer Post >

RELATED POSTS

SHOP THE STORY

BEFORE YOU CHECKOUT

Unlock Free Samples

GET 2 FREE SAMPLES WITH ANY $25 PURCHASE.

Charcoal Clay Cleanser Sample Packet

primary

Charcoal Clay Cleanser Sample Packet

[empty]

See full product

Hydra Drench Cream Sample Packet

primary

Hydra Drench Cream Sample Packet

[empty]

Kelp & Mint Shampoo Sample Packet

primary

Kelp & Mint Shampoo Sample Packet

Hydrating and invigorating shampoo gently purifies while adding bounce, body, and luster. Kelp thickens and strengthens while seaweed collagen adds shine.

Hand Sanitizer Gel Sample Packet

Available in US only. Unavailable for expedited shipping.

primary

Hand Sanitizer Gel Sample Packet

Fragrance-free gel sanitizer that helps reduce disease-causing bacteria while providing lasting hydration with aloe vera juice.

See full product

Tinted Moisturizer: Peach Bisque Sample Packet

primary

Tinted Moisturizer: Peach Bisque Sample Packet

[empty]

Tinted Moisturizer: Golden Peach Sample Packet

primary

Tinted Moisturizer: Golden Peach Sample Packet

[empty]

Tinted Moisturizer: White Peach Sample Packet

primary

Tinted Moisturizer: White Peach Sample Packet

[empty]

Multi Vitamin Serum Sample Packet

primary

Multi Vitamin Serum Sample Packet

[empty]

Blood Orange Shower Gel Sample Packet

primary

Blood Orange Shower Gel Sample Packet

[empty]

Luminous Primer Sample Packet

primary

Luminous Primer Sample Packet

This primer uses light reflective pigments to make skin look more radiant, enhance luminous foundations, and blur imperfections.

Tinted Moisturizer: Sand Sample Packet

primary

Tinted Moisturizer: Sand Sample Packet

[empty]

2nd Skin Foundation: Shade #2 Sample Packet

primary

2nd Skin Foundation: Shade #2 Sample Packet

[empty]

2nd Skin Foundation: Shade #3 Sample Packet

primary

2nd Skin Foundation: Shade #3 Sample Packet

[empty]

2nd Skin Foundation: Shade #4 Sample Packet

primary

2nd Skin Foundation: Shade #4 Sample Packet

[empty]

2nd Skin Foundation: Shade #5 Sample Packet

primary

2nd Skin Foundation: Shade #5 Sample Packet

[empty]

Green Tea EGCG Cream Sample Packet

primary

Green Tea EGCG Cream Sample Packet

[empty]

Mattifying Primer Sample Packet

primary

Mattifying Primer Sample Packet

Skin healthy ingredients make this the perfect makeup primer for both face and eyes, to soften and smooth skin before you apply makeup.

Burdock & Neem Shampoo Sample Packet

primary

Burdock & Neem Shampoo Sample Packet

Purifying formula unclogs pores, stimulates circulation, and alleviates dryness, itching, and flaking. With added hydration for healthier scalp and hair.

See full product

X