Glutathione
Glutathione (GSH), an essential component of the human body, not only has significant effects in cells, but is also proving to be a versatile player in the world of health and cosmetics. As the body’s own antioxidant, it plays a central role in protecting against oxidative stress and detoxifying harmful substances. This tripeptide, known as GSH or y-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, is formed by the combination of three amino acids and acts as an “emergency supply” of cysteine.
The protective and transformative power: detoxification and antioxidant protection
The functions of glutathione (GSH) are many and fundamental to our health. One of its most prominent functions is the transformation of harmful substances in the body. It acts as a mediator that converts these harmful elements into water-soluble forms, allowing them to be excreted through the kidneys. Pesticides, heavy metals and certain drugs are just a few examples of the types of pollutants that glutathione can effectively deal with.
In addition to this transformative role, it also plays an important role in protecting cells from the negative effects of free radicals. These highly reactive molecules can damage cell membranes and proteins, leading to premature ageing and cell damage. Its ability to neutralise free radicals has led to it often being referred to as the ‘master antioxidant’. This property is valued by the cosmetics industry and is increasingly used in skin care products.
Challenges and future prospects: Glutathione as a research topic
Despite the exciting potential of glutathione in healthcare and cosmetics, it is essential that further research sheds light on the exact mechanisms and effects of this molecule. While it is available as a dietary supplement and has shown positive results in animal studies, clinical trials have yet to investigate its efficacy and safety in various applications. At a time when environmental factors are increasingly affecting the body’s production of GSH, there are exciting possibilities for using this “master antioxidant” to promote health and beauty.
GSH and the ageing process
The body’s glutathione levels start to decline from around the age of 45. This is due to a decrease in its own synthesis. After the age of 60, the GSH status deteriorates even more drastically. Logically, this leads to a decline in protective function, which in turn increases oxidative stress. Researchers therefore emphasise that the individual glutathione level has a significant influence on the ageing process of each person. A major study in Denmark has already confirmed this theory. There is now also evidence that GSH has a positive effect on our skin. A three-month study showed that GSH can improve skin elasticity. There was also a significant reduction in wrinkles compared to the placebo group. Experts therefore consider it to be an effective anti-ageing agent.
Glutathione in cosmetics
GSH is an excellent anti-ageing booster and gentle detoxifier. Since it stops free radicals, which not only damage our tissues and cells, but also destroy the collagen fibres responsible for skin elasticity, it could almost be described as a fountain of youth. Especially when you consider that GSH also stimulates important repair processes within our DNA, which also slows down the natural ageing process and contributes to a healthy, fresh complexion. Of course, it would be possible to improve GSH levels through a specific diet. For example, vegetables with a high sulphur content could help. These include Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli, onions, savoy cabbage and garlic. However, the age-related decline in GSH levels cannot be reversed by diet alone. If you want to do something good for your skin, you should use high-quality cosmetic products containing glutathione. So far, there are only a few cosmetics with GSH, but this is likely to change in the future, as the active ingredient has long been more than just a secret weapon. Skin care creams and serums containing it can activate the skin’s own repair mechanisms and lead to a significantly improved complexion.
In the cosmetics industry, glutathione is often promoted for its potential whitening properties in skin care and is often used for its supposed whitening effects on the skin. As a tripeptide, also known as GSH, it helps to regulate the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. By inhibiting the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, glutathione can help reduce skin discolouration such as freckles, age spots and hyperpigmentation.
It also plays an important role as an antioxidant. At a time when our skin is increasingly exposed to environmental stress and free radicals, it provides a protective barrier. It helps to minimise the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the skin. These ROS are responsible for premature skin ageing and cell damage. Glutathione’s ability to neutralise these ROS has led to it often being referred to as the ‘master antioxidant’.
This active ingredient GSH could become your starting point for building a cosmetic brand.
GSH profile
INCI: Glutathione
CAS number: 70-18-8
Description: white solid
Melting point: 185 to 195 degrees Celsius
Solubility: in water and dimethylformamide
Effect: extremely effective as a radical scavenger, detoxifies, stimulates natural repair processes
Areas of application: perfect as an innovative anti-ageing booster
We like to work with these glutathione-containing active ingredients:
| Trade Name | Company | INCI | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-Glutathione | Hangzhou Rebtech Novel Material Co., Ltd. | Glutathione | |
| iWhite Glutathione | KimiKa, LLC (Formerly Cosphatech) | Glutathione | |
| Glutathione GSH | WISDOMIT | Glutathione | |
| SpecKare GSH (L-Glutathione Reduced) | Spec-Chem Industry Inc | Glutathione | |
| PromaCare GSH | Uniproma | Glutathione | |
| Cosroma GSH | COSROMA | Glutathione | |
| AC-GSH | SOHO ANECO Chemicals Co., Limited | Glutathione | |
| SpecKare GSH | Spec-Chem Industry Inc | Glutathione | |
| SpecKare GSSG | Spec-Chem Industry Inc | Oxidized Glutathione | |
| MVP Sapphire Lift Solution | Infinitec | Water , Xanthan Gum , Synthetic Sapphire , Glutathione , Palmitoyl Tripeptide-28 | |
| NanoWhite | Mibelle AG Biochemistry | Lecithin , Arbutin , Linolenic Acid , Linoleic Acid , Tocopheryl Acetate , Ascorbyl Palmitate , Glutathione , Alcohol , Aqua | |
| Natori Vita Complex HD | Ecoori | Biotin , Panthenol , Thiamine HCl , Cyanocobalamin , Riboflavin , Pyridoxine , Folic Acid , Menadione , Bioflavonoids , Ascorbic Acid , Tocopheryl Acetate , Glutathione , 1,2-Hexanediol , Water |
Glutathione (GSH) for sophisticated formulations from Cosmacon
Glutathione (GSH) can actually be described in just one sentence: The tripeptide is “the mother of all antioxidants”. The valuable radical scavenger can improve the structure of mature skin and reduce wrinkles. Cosmacon will be happy to formulate exclusive premium cosmetics with glutathione for you.
Sources:
Systemic Glutathione as a Skin-Whitening Agent in Adult.; Sitohang IBS, Ninditya S.Dermatol Res Pract. 2020 Apr 24;2020:8547960.
Efficacy and safety of S-acyl glutathione 2% cream vs. placebo against UVB-induced erythema: a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial.; Grandi V, Milanesi N, Sessa M, Gola M, Cappugi P, Pimpinelli N.G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2019 Dec;154(6):632-637
Odorless Glutathione Microneedle Patches for Skin Whitening.; Lee Y, Kumar S, Kim SH, Seong KY, Lee H, Kim C, Jung YS, Yang SY.Pharmaceutics. 2020 Jan 27;12(2):100
Protective effect of curcumin against ultraviolet A irradiation‑induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts.; Liu X, Zhang R, Shi H, Li X, Li Y, Taha A, Xu C.Mol Med Rep. 2018 May;17(5):7227-7237.
Intravenous glutathione for fair skin; to give or not to give?; Jamali M, Majid A.J Pak Med Assoc. 2017 Jul;67(7):1127.
Evaluating Oral Glutathione Plus Ascorbic Acid, Alpha-lipoic Acid, and Zinc Aspartate as a Skin-lightening Agent: An Indonesian Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial.; Sitohang IBS, Anwar AI, Jusuf NK, Arimuko A, Norawati L, Veronica S.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021 Jul;14(7):E53-E58.