Glutathione for Skin: Your Key to a Youthful, Even Complexion*

Of all the organs, the skin is the one that most clearly (and visibly) shows the signs of aging. It’s subject to a progressive decline in elasticity, smoothness, and even skin tone as a consequence of cumulative damage as we age. This damage comes from both internal and external factors.¹ It’s no wonder that, from the days of Cleopatra, who was known for her elaborate skincare regimen, women have gone through a lot of trouble to achieve a glowing, youthful complexion. In modern times, the average woman spends $1,064 per year on her appearance while men spend $728 on average, according to a survey by Advanced Dermatology.² Americans spend more than one billion dollars a year on creams to improve elasticity, smoothness, and a radiant glow, according to a report by Reuters.³ 

Yet, one of the most effective ways to achieve glowing skin is not only through external products like creams but also through supplementation with glutathione, which may be part of the answer to healthy, smooth, youthful-looking skin*. 

In this blog post, we’ll answer the question, “What does glutathione do for the skin?” In addition, we’ll talk about a new type of glutathione that is more easily absorbed and goes straight to work supporting healthy skin.*   

What Is Glutathione? 

Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant and it plays an important role in maintaining cellular health.*^4,5 It is present in almost every cell of the body, where it contributes to scavenging free radicals. It is a tiny protein (or tripeptide) comprised of three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. 

Aging, unwanted substances in the environment, and mental stress are just a few of the things that can deplete your glutathione levels. This is a problem because glutathione is essential for good health and a long lifespan. Optimal glutathione levels are necessary for immune system function,⁶ blood sugar metabolism,⁴ and brain, heart,⁵ joint,⁷ and neurological health.*^4,8 

Healthy glutathione levels also support phase II detoxification,⁹ the second step in the body’s process for eliminating toxins.* New research is unveiling another exciting health benefit of glutathione—supporting youthful, beautiful skin.* 

Integrative and Functional Practice Approach to Skin Health 

Integrative and functional practitioners approach skin care differently, to help their patients nurture healthier skin from the inside out. 

They often address nutrient imbalances, ensure their patients receive restful sleep, utilize stress management techniques, and encourage hydration. Integrative dermatologists will focus on the diet and gut health to help improve skin issues. 

It’s a more holistic approach that also includes dietary supplements for skin health, which is where glutathione comes into play.  

Skin and Oxidative Stress 

Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant. It's one of the most important antioxidants in the cell and essential for combating oxidative stress—an enemy of glowing, youthful skin.*¹⁰ Oxidative stress occurs when cells accumulate too many reactive oxygen species (ROS), which interferes with healthy skin aging.

Glutathione exerts antioxidant activity by neutralizing free radicals such as hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides.* This is just one way it supports skin health.*^10,11 

Glutathione Benefits for Skin 

Glutathione skin benefits come from its antioxidant abilities as well as other mechanisms. Here are some ways that glutathione supports skin health: 

Helps Brighten Skin*  

Glutathione supports normal production of melanin,^12,13 a skin pigment responsible for the color of skin, hair, and eyes.* Glutathione is thought to switch the melanin synthesis pathway toward the production of lighter pheomelanin instead of darker eumelanin, helping brighten skin and maintain normal skin pigmentation.*¹²   

Restores Skin’s Natural Youthful Glow* 

Antioxidant support plays a huge role in keeping the skin looking healthy and radiant as we grow older. As an antioxidant, glutathione supports healthy aging in the skin layer by promoting normal repair of damaged tissue and the growth of new, healthy skin cells.* Research has shown that topical application of glutathione helps maintain smooth skin.*¹⁰ 

Another study found that 250 mg/day of conventional oral glutathione supplements for 10 weeks helped maintain skin elasticity and smooth, youthful skin.*¹⁴ 

Supplements that increase glutathione levels in the body also are known to support skin elasticity and smoothness in postmenopausal women ages 45 to 60 years old.*¹⁵ In addition, glutathione supports hydrated, resilient skin that looks as good as it feels.* 

Helps Protect Against Harsh Environmental Elements* 

Being outside can get in the way of a healthy skin regimen. Glutathione’s antioxidant properties support healthy skin during exposure to harsh environmental elements such as ultraviolet light from the sun, pollution, cold air in the winter, or the drying effects of air conditioning in the summer.*¹⁶ The result? Healthy skin aging and a smooth skin texture even for people who love the outdoors or those living in harsher climates.* 

However, consistent use of a high-quality sunscreen is always recommended to help protect skin from the sun! 

Supports a Healthy Inflammatory Response at the Skin Level* 

Glutathione supports a healthy inflammatory response at the skin level meaning it may lead to more comfortable skin.*¹⁷ Glutathione keeps levels of free radicals in check, which helps stabilize the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer.* Minimizing oxidative stress may also help calm the immune system so it can function properly.¹⁷  

A Better Absorbed Form of Glutathione* 

Most glutathione pills aren’t well absorbed, so they don’t deliver nourishing amounts of glutathione to the skin and body. That’s why DaVinci® Laboratories created Glutathione Bright with Provail®, a glutathione supplement that’s 2.5 times more bioavailable than leading alternative forms.*⁵ It works fast to give you a glowing and healthy complexion.*

Glutathione with Provail® works better, faster, and goes deeper than regular glutathione to optimize your skin health.* Provail® is a structurally changed, ultra-small whey protein matrix, similar to the size of protein-mineral clusters in milk (known as casein micelles). This polymerized whey protein matrix coats the glutathione to protect it from the harsh conditions in the gastrointestinal tract.

Think of this specialized whey protein as an envelope that contains a nutrient inside of it—namely glutathione. When the protective envelope arrives in the small intestine, it opens up and releases glutathione for maximum absorption. It’s so powerful that you only need 200 mg of this form to achieve similar results from  500 mg of standard glutathione. 

Glutathione Bright with Provail® helps to promote a clear and smooth complexion and supports healthy skin.*  

Tapping Into Glutathione Benefits for Skin*

Who doesn’t want to grow old gracefully and look good doing it? A billion-dollar industry in skin creams alone shows that smooth, supple skin with an even skin tone is a priority for many women and men. 

Integrative dermatologists backed by scientific evidence are changing the way we support beautiful skin: not only from the outside, but also from the inside with supplements such as glutathione.  

Obtaining youthful-looking skin is a goal that’s in reach thanks to Glutathione Bright with Provail®.* This powerful master antioxidant is easily absorbed and ready to go to work right away supporting your skin health.*  

References 

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2. America’s Beauty Budgets: Report Details How Much Americans Spend on Their Looks. Advanced dermatology. https://www.advdermatology.com/blog/americas-beauty-budgets/. Published 2024. Accessed December 24, 2025.
3. Reuters. Spend big on wrinkle creams? Don't bother: study. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/spend-big-on-wrinkle-creams-dont-bother-study-idUSN12354603/. Published 2007. Accessed December 24, 2025.
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10. Watanabe F, Hashizume E, Chan GP, Kamimura A. Skin-whitening and skin-condition-improving effects of topical oxidized glutathione: a double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial in healthy women.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.2014;7:267-274. 
11. Lu SC. Regulation of glutathione synthesis.Mol Aspects Med.2009;30(1-2):42-59. 
12. Duperray J, Sergheraert R, Chalothorn K, Tachalerdmanee P, Perin F. The effects of the oral supplementation of L-Cystine associated with reduced L-Glutathione-GSH on human skin pigmentation: a randomized, double-blinded, benchmark- and placebo-controlled clinical trial.J Cosmet Dermatol.2022;21(2):802-813. 
13. Sarkar R, Yadav V, Yadav T, P J, Mandal I. Glutathione as a skin-lightening agent and in melasma: a systematic review.Int J Dermatol.2025;64(6):992-1004. 
14. Weschawalit S, Thongthip S, Phutrakool P, Asawanonda P. Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.2017;10:147-153. 
15. Tumsutti P, Maiprasert M, Sugkraroek P, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Bumrungpert A. Effects of a combination of botanical actives on skin health and antioxidant status in post-menopausal women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.J Cosmet Dermatol.2022;21(5):2064-2072. 
16. Grandi V, Milanesi N, Sessa M, Gola M, Cappugi P, Pimpinelli N. Efficacy and safety of S-acyl glutathione 2% cream vs. placebo against UVB-induced erythema: a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial.G Ital Dermatol Venereol.2019;154(6):632-637. 
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