Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

L-Glutathione is an antioxidant that has gained popularity for its purported skin-lightening effects, including the treatment or reduction of age spots (also known as liver spots or solar lentigines). The scientific interest in glutathione for age spots and other hyperpigmentation disorders stems from its role in melanogenesis. Glutathione is thought to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme necessary for melanin synthesis, and to shift melanin production from the darker eumelanin to the lighter pheomelanin. Several small clinical studies and reviews (e.g., Weschawalit et al., 2017, and Handog et al., 2016) have observed modest improvements in skin tone and reductions in hyperpigmented lesions with oral or topical glutathione use, though these studies are often limited by small sample sizes and short durations.

However, the evidence is not robust. Systematic reviews consistently note that while glutathione may offer some benefit for skin lightening, including age spots, the magnitude of effect is small, and the quality of evidence is low to moderate due to methodological limitations. There is no consensus on optimal dosing, duration, or long-term safety. Regulatory agencies such as the US FDA have not approved glutathione for skin lightening, and some countries have raised concerns about its unregulated use.

In summary, there is a scientific basis and limited clinical evidence for using L-glutathione to help reduce age spots, but the overall quality and strength of evidence are modest, meriting a rating of 2 out of 5.

More about L-Gluthathione
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