Oral Glutathione As A Skin Whitening Agent

The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral glutathione for 12 weeks, used as a skin-whitening agent.

The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study, set at Dermatology outpatient clinic at three different hospitals in Indonesia, Gatot Seobroto Army Hospital Jakarta, Dr. dr. Wahiddin Soedirohoesodo Hospital Makassar, and University of Sumatera Utara Teaching Hospital Medan.

Ninety healthy females, aged between 33 and 50 years, were randomized to receive either glutathione capsules (500 mg) or placebo capsules, which were identical in appearance and packaged in identical-looking containers. The capsules were taken once daily for 12 weeks and evaluated every 4 weeks. Compliance was assessed by counting the remaining capsules at each follow-up visit.

At each follow-up visit, subjects were asked to grade the overall response and questioned regarding adverse events. The objective or main outcome was total reduction (improvement) of spot UV, spot polarization, and skin tone measured at five different sites for each indices, recorded by Janus Facial Analysis System®.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy subjects with skin type Fitzpatrick IV and V
• Women aged from 30 to 55 years with an understanding of all the information given by a written consent form
• Working indoor office jobs (for minimum 8 hours)

Exclusion criteria

• Personal or family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma
• Consumption of any preparations containing glutathione within 1 month of enrollment
• Use of any topical skin brightening or whitening preparations within 1 month of enrollment
• Pigmentary disorders or any dermatoses, which may affect the measurement within the study areas
• A pregnant or breastfeeding mother
• Personal history of drug allergy or skin disorder due to side effects of oral therapy