A Comparative Analysis of Topical and Intravenous Glutathione for Skin Brightening: Efficacy, Clinical Outcomes, and Patient Satisfaction
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.00786/ta826t13Keywords:
Glutathione, Skin lightening, Hyperpigmentation, Melasma, Antioxidant, Intravenous glutathione, Topical glutathione, Pigmentary disorders, Tyrosinase inhibition, Cosmetic dermatologyAbstract
Background: Glutathione (GSH) is the body’s most abundant endogenous antioxidant tripeptide, attracting growing attention in cosmetic dermatology for its ability to reduce melanin production and brighten skin tone. It is widely administered through topical and intravenous (IV) routes for conditions such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and general uneven pigmentation, especially in individuals with darker Fitzpatrick skin types.
Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy, treatment patterns, safety outcomes, and overall patient satisfaction associated with topical versus intravenous glutathione therapy among individuals presenting with pigmentary skin concerns.
Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out across four certified aesthetic clinics in Lahore, Pakistan, over four months. Sixty participants aged 20–50 years, diagnosed with melasma, PIH, or related pigmentary disorders, were enrolled through consecutive non-probability sampling. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires and clinician assessments. Pearson’s chi-square tests evaluated associations between treatment type and outcome variables.
Results: The cohort was predominantly young adult females (75.0%) with Fitzpatrick Type IV skin (53.3%). Cream formulations at 2–5% concentration were the most common topical choice (53.3%), while 600 mg weekly IV infusion was the dominant intravenous regimen (70.0%). Mild skin lightening was the most frequently documented clinician outcome (66.7%), with 86.7% of participants expressing satisfaction. Adverse effects were mild in nearly all cases (98.3%). A statistically significant link between treatment modality and clinician-assessed outcome was found (χ² = 11.365; p = 0.050).
Conclusion: Both topical and intravenous glutathione produced meaningful depigmenting results with a good short-term safety record. However, standardized dosing protocols and long-term safety evidence remain lacking, particularly for IV use. Rigorous controlled trials with objective outcome measures are needed.
