Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant peptide widely used as a specialty active ingredient in cosmetic and personal-care formulations. It is composed of three amino acids—glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine—and is naturally present in biological systems.
In cosmetic formulations, Glutathione is primarily valued for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It is commonly incorporated into skincare products designed to support a brighter, more even-looking and radiant appearance.
Glutathione is suitable for a variety of modern cosmetic formats, including face serums, creams, lotions, masks and specialized skin-care formulations.
For professional formulation, the exact grade, purity, stereochemistry, stability and recommended concentration should always be verified from the supplier’s current TDS and COA.
INCI Name
Glutathione
Common Names
- Glutathione
- L-Glutathione
- Reduced Glutathione
- L-Glutathione Reduced
- GSH
- Reduced L-Glutathione
- Glutathione Peptide
- Antioxidant Glutathione
Chemical Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Glutathione |
| INCI Name | Glutathione |
| Common Form | Reduced Glutathione |
| CAS Number | 70-18-8 |
| Chemical Formula | C10H17N3O6S |
| Molecular Weight | 307.32 g/mol |
| Ingredient Type | Cosmetic Active |
| Functional Class | Antioxidant / Skin Conditioning |
| Physical Form | White to off-white powder, grade dependent |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Primary Applications | Skin Care & Personal Care |
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. It occurs naturally in the body and plays an important role in antioxidant systems.
For cosmetic applications, Glutathione is used as a specialty active in formulations focused on antioxidant protection, skin conditioning and a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
Key Benefits
1. Antioxidant Support
Glutathione provides antioxidant functionality and can be incorporated into formulations designed to help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors.
2. Brighter-Looking Skin
It is commonly used in cosmetic formulations targeting dull-looking skin and a more radiant complexion.
3. Even-Looking Skin Tone
Glutathione is frequently included in cosmetic brightening formulations designed to promote a more uniform-looking complexion.
4. Skin Conditioning
It can contribute to the conditioning and overall cosmetic appearance of the skin.
5. Anti-Pollution Skincare Concepts
Its antioxidant properties make it suitable for modern skincare formulations designed around environmental-stress and pollution-related cosmetic concerns.
6. Advanced Antioxidant Formulations
Glutathione can be combined with other antioxidant ingredients to develop sophisticated skincare products focused on maintaining healthy-looking, radiant skin.
7. Suitable for Premium Skincare
Its positioning as a specialized antioxidant active makes it suitable for premium serums, creams, masks and targeted cosmetic formulations.
Cosmetic Applications
Face Care
- Face Serums
- Brightening Serums
- Antioxidant Serums
- Face Creams
- Face Lotions
- Moisturizers
- Overnight Creams
- Facial Masks
- Skin-Brightening Formulations
Body Care
- Body Lotions
- Body Creams
- Body Serums
- Hand Creams
- Body Masks
- Specialized Body-Care Products
Advanced Skincare
- Antioxidant Formulations
- Radiance Products
- Even-Tone Cosmetic Formulations
- Premium Facial Treatments
- Multi-Active Serums
- Anti-Pollution Skincare
Suitable Product Types
- Glutathione Serum
- Face Serum
- Brightening Serum
- Antioxidant Serum
- Face Cream
- Brightening Cream
- Moisturizer
- Facial Mask
- Overnight Cream
- Body Lotion
- Body Serum
- Hand Cream
- Premium Skincare Products
Recommended Usage
A commonly used cosmetic starting range for reduced Glutathione is approximately:
0.1–2%
The appropriate level depends on the grade, purity, formulation system, desired positioning and supplier recommendations.
For commercial formulations, always follow the manufacturer’s current TDS, COA and recommended usage level.
How to Use
Glutathione is generally incorporated into the water phase or suitable aqueous phase of a cosmetic formulation.
General Formulation Procedure
- Determine the required concentration based on the formulation and supplier guidance.
- Accurately weigh the required quantity of Glutathione.
- Dissolve it in a suitable portion of the aqueous phase.
- Add the solution to the formulation under controlled mixing.
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to excessive heat.
- Check the final pH.
- Complete the formulation according to the selected manufacturing process.
- Perform stability, compatibility and appearance testing.
Formulation Considerations
Glutathione can be sensitive to oxidation and formulation conditions, so careful processing and packaging are important.
Formulators should evaluate:
- Final pH
- Temperature exposure
- Oxygen exposure
- Water quality
- Compatible antioxidants
- Chelating agents
- Packaging
- Preservative system
- Long-term stability
Formulation Compatibility
Glutathione may be formulated alongside selected cosmetic ingredients such as:
- Vitamin C Derivatives
- Ascorbic Acid
- 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
- Vitamin E / Tocopherol
- Ferulic Acid
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Panthenol
- Alpha Arbutin
- Botanical Extracts
- Glycerin
- Humectants
- Other Antioxidants
Product Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Glutathione |
| INCI Name | Glutathione |
| Common Cosmetic Form | Reduced Glutathione |
| CAS No. | 70-18-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C10H17N3O6S |
| Molecular Weight | 307.32 g/mol |
| Ingredient Category | Cosmetic Active |
| Main Function | Antioxidant |
| Secondary Function | Skin Conditioning |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Solubility | Water soluble |
| Typical Cosmetic Usage | Approx. 0.1–2% |
| Main Application | Skin Care |
| Formulation Focus | Antioxidant, Radiance & Brightening |
Why Choose Glutathione?
- Premium cosmetic antioxidant active
- Suitable for advanced skincare formulations
- Supports antioxidant-focused product concepts
- Suitable for radiance and brightening formulations
- Helps develop even-looking skin appearance
- Suitable for face and body care
- Water-soluble ingredient
- Compatible with many popular skincare actives
- Suitable for premium serum and cream formulations
- Excellent ingredient for multi-active skincare systems
Storage
Store Glutathione in a cool, dry and well-protected environment.
Keep the container tightly closed and protect the material from:
- Moisture
- Direct sunlight
- Excessive heat
- Oxygen exposure
- Contamination
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.