Glutathione
Glutathione is a tripeptide antioxidant central to cellular redox biology research.
We have not published an audit on Glutathione. Everything below is reference material, not our own reading of the literature, treat it as a starting point for questions, not as a grade.
How it is thought to work
Glutathione is your cells' main cleanup molecule. It grabs onto unstable molecules called free radicals and neutralizes them before they damage cell parts. It also helps the liver tag and remove certain toxins so they can leave the body. Glutathione donates an electron from its cysteine sulfur group to neutralize reactive oxygen species. For skin specifically, glutathione blocks an enzyme called tyrosinase and nudges pigment cells toward making lighter pheomelanin instead of darker eumelanin. [Source: Peptide Dosing Protocols]
Glutathione is your body's main built-in antioxidant that neutralizes damaging free radicals, helps the liver remove toxins, and, when taken orally or by IV, may reduce skin pigmentation by blocking the enzyme that makes dark melanin, though whether standard oral doses actually raise body levels is genuinely debated.
Reported side effects
Oral glutathione is usually well tolerated with only mild digestive side effects like bloating or loose stools, but IV and injectable forms carry serious risks including abdominal cramps, liver function abnormalities, anaphylaxis, acute liver injury, and contamination-related reactions.