Aging & longevity · Skin & hair
Glutathione, simplified.
Also called GSH
Human studiesYour body’s main built-in antioxidant, a tiny three-amino-acid peptide. Popular for "detox", energy and skin brightening.
- Size
- 3 amino acids
- How it is taken
- Injection or IV
- Status
- Supplement and clinic infusion
- Available sizes
- Vials: 1,500 mg
What is it?
Every cell makes glutathione to neutralize damaging molecules and help the liver process toxins. Levels drop with age, illness and heavy drinking.
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What studies show
- In peopleDaily supplements raised glutathione stores in the body over six months.
- In peopleSmall studies on skin lightening show modest effects, and results are mixed.
- In peopleIV glutathione was tested in Parkinson’s disease without clear benefit.
What we don’t know yet
- Whether raising it improves health outcomes in healthy people.
Side effects and cautions
- Generally well tolerated.
- The FDA has warned about unapproved injectable skin-lightening products.
Is it legal?
Sold as a supplement. Injectable forms are made by compounding pharmacies.
Dosage & schedule evidence
How to read published schedules
Third-party protocols are not established clinical dosing standards. Safe human dose, frequency, and duration may be unknown.
| Measurement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | 1,000 mcg (mass) |
| 100 U-100 units | 1 mL (volume, not dose) |
See third-party published protocols ↗ for research context. North Star does not validate these schedules.
Consult your doctor before considering any peptide for personal use. Educational only, not administration guidance.
Common questions
What is Glutathione?
Your body’s main built-in antioxidant, a tiny three-amino-acid peptide. Popular for "detox", energy and skin brightening. Every cell makes glutathione to neutralize damaging molecules and help the liver process toxins. Levels drop with age, illness and heavy drinking.
What does the research say about Glutathione?
Daily supplements raised glutathione stores in the body over six months. Small studies on skin lightening show modest effects, and results are mixed. IV glutathione was tested in Parkinson’s disease without clear benefit.
Is Glutathione FDA approved?
Sold as a supplement. Injectable forms are made by compounding pharmacies.
What are the side effects of Glutathione?
Generally well tolerated. The FDA has warned about unapproved injectable skin-lightening products.
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This page explains published research in plain language. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything, and it does not give dosing. Most peptides here are not FDA-approved, and products sold online vary widely in purity. Rules around peptides are changing, so check the current status and talk with a licensed clinician before starting anything. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.