Study summary · research use only
Systemic Glutathione as a Skin-Whitening Agent in Adult
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This review (species not specified; human RCTs discussed) is an evidence-based case report comparing systemic glutathione as a skin-whitening agent in adults, based on three randomized controlled trials identified through a literature search of several databases. The authors report that one of the three trials did not support glutathione as a skin-whitening agent, while the other two showed effects limited to certain body areas or age groups; studies also reported other cosmetic changes such as improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles. The authors describe glutathione as tolerated in oral preparations but not in parenteral preparations, and state that further research is needed on time to return of skin color after drug withdrawal.
Abstract
To compare the efficacy and safety profiles of systemic glutathione as a skin-whitening agent in adults from several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This study is an evidence-based case report with literature search conducted on Clinical Key, Cochrane, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Taylor and Francis Online, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases. Three relevant RCTs were extracted and assessed for validity, importance, and applicability. From 3 included trials, one of the studies opposed glutathione as a skin-whitening agent. However, the other two showed significant results only to some parts of the body or to certain age groups. As a skin-whitening agent, studies showed that glutathione yielded other cosmetic benefits as it may improve skin elasticity and reduce skin wrinkles. Furthermore, glutathione was well tolerated in oral preparations, but not in parenteral preparations. Highest-evidence literatures showed that glutathione is not beneficial enough as a skin-whitening agent as it was only effective in some parts of the body and did not elicit long-lasting effects. However, its safety profiles in oral preparations were well tolerated. More researches regarding the time needed for skin color to return to its original state following drug withdrawal need to be conducted as it is yet to be discovered.
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