Glutathione Is a Skincare Game Changer—And the Wellness Girlies Are Obsessed

I can’t gate-keep this anymore: glutathione IVs are the self-care habit that has changed my life. As a wellness devotee living in Los Angeles, I get exposed to a lot of new “miracle” ingredients, products, and rituals. Honestly? Many are duds, but some work their magic, and I become hooked. So when I heard about the benefits of glutathione, I got curious.

Featured image from our interview with Inge Theron by Teal Thomsen.

My Experience With Glutathione

Known as a game-changing detoxifier, glutathione is starting to pop up everywhere, most notably through glutathione injections in the form of 15-minute IVs. Like other popular expert-approved supplements, glutathione is naturally occurring. Your body already makes it, uses it, and knows what to do with it. This guarantees efficacy, unlike synthetic solutions or corrosive detox agents (apple cider vinegar… never again).

I got into glutathione pushes after a season of vacation-fueled indulgence to help jumpstart a wellness reset. Instead, I got something better: an all-star addition to my morning routine that decreases inflammation, supports my body’s natural detox process, and even helps deal with hyperpigmentation from the inside—yes, really!

Glutathione is the body’s most powerful antioxidant. It’s often called the “master detoxifier,” according to Dr. Patel, founder of Auro Wellness and author of The Glutathione Revolution. At the forefront of making glutathione a trend, Dr. Patel has been researching glutathione since 1999 and was one of the producers of IV and liposomal formulations. He’s a key figure behind the trend of glutathione injections, and he gave me insights into all things glutathione and why you should incorporate it into your routine—stat.

What is glutathione?

“Glutathione (GSH) is a naturally occurring tri-peptide amino acid (protein) that is produced in every cell of our body and is often referred to as the Master Antioxidant and Master Detoxifier,” says Dr. Patel.

In other words, it’s how the body naturally detoxes, neutralizing free radicals and flushing out toxins. More and more people are supplementing their glutathione levels through glutathione injections or liposomal supplements to support the body’s natural detox process and help prevent disease. Some of the benefits of this include:

• Prevents premature signs of aging
• Promotes cell proliferation (aka, the creation of more cells)
• Boosts immunity
• Detoxifies toxins
• Brightens skin and erases hyperpigmentation
• Neutralizes free radicals, which cause oxidative stress and can cause diseases

Benefits of Glutathione Injections

“Traditionally, injections of nutrients are expected to have superior absorption,” says Dr. Patel. Instead of having to absorb low percentages of all those good ingredients by slathering on a cream or chewing on a gummy supplement, your body can get a higher dose more efficiently. “The advantage of glutathione injection is its potential to bypass the harsh conditions of the stomach and provide benefits such as neutralizing free radicals.”

Because of this, glutathione injections are in high demand, mainly through IVs. The 15-minute “Glutathione Push” IV service is popping up at many health clinics. Suddenly, glutathione injections are more accessible, affordable, and efficient than other hour-long IVs (which can be double, if not triple, the price). Don’t get me wrong, I like to combine my glutathione IV with a collagen and hydration IV occasionally as a treat, but a Glutathione Push has become my holy grail.

Glutathione Injections vs. Liposomal Glutathione Supplements

IVs aren’t the only way to experience the benefits of glutathione. “Many people opt for IV glutathione as well to enhance their health and well-being,” says Dr. Patel. “There are other alternative methods available that can provide similar, if not better, results in improving overall health and longevity.”

Another popular way you can supplement glutathione? Liposomal glutathione packs. They’ve been popping up by the counter at Erewhon and other health stores. In other words, they’re wellness-girlie-approved.

“Liposomal glutathione has some protection for the harsh digestive tract,” says Dr. Patel. However, he notes that the impact doesn’t last as long. That’s why liposomal glutathione supplements are great to take daily. Adding them to your morning supplement routine can give you your daily boost of glutathione.

Can you apply glutathione topically?

We’re big fans of antioxidant-rich skincare, and luckily, glutathione is finally making its way into skincare formulations. Dr. Patel approves, saying that recent technology has shown “great promise in delivering glutathione topically.”

Like other antioxidants, applying glutathione is a great option for brightening the skin, targeting signs of aging (like pigmentation and fine lines), and building your skin barrier.

The Best Glutathione Products

Ready to add glutathione to your routine? While you’re waiting for your next round of glutathione injections, we recommend exploring the best glutathione products to add to your routine.