Glutathione
Also known as: GSH, reduced glutathione, L-glutathione, gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine, liposomal glutathione, S-acetyl glutathione
Glutathione is a tripeptide made of three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. The body produces it in nearly all cells, where it acts as a major intracellular antioxidant and helps regulate cellular oxidation-reduction balance. It is sold and studied in several forms, including oral supplements, intravenous preparations, inhaled formulations, and topical products.
How it works
Research describes glutathione as a primary intracellular antioxidant that neutralizes reactive oxygen species and supports enzymes involved in detoxification and cellular repair. It participates in the recycling of other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and serves as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase enzymes. Studies also note that its influence on the enzyme tyrosinase has been proposed as a possible mechanism behind interest in skin pigmentation, though this pathway is not fully established.
Researched uses
- studied for reducing oxidative stress markers
- studied for skin lightening and pigmentation changes
- studied as supportive care in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and other liver conditions
- studied for chemotherapy-associated peripheral neuropathy
- studied for Parkinson disease symptoms
- studied for cystic fibrosis lung function when inhaled
Glutathione is not FDA-approved as a drug for any therapeutic indication. Oral and topical glutathione products are marketed in the United States as dietary supplements or cosmetics, which are not evaluated by the FDA for efficacy before sale. Injectable and intravenous glutathione is not an FDA-approved medicine; when used, it is prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies and requires a prescription. The FDA has issued warnings about certain compounded and imported injectable glutathione products, including those marketed for skin lightening, citing safety and quality concerns.
Glutathione providers compared
Providers that have passed our rubric review are listed first, then ordered by the total cost of a 3-month protocol. We average every cost to a standard 3-month protocol, which our medical advisors consider the best basis for comparing cost and value, and the headline figure folds in any one-time consult or provider-review fee plus three months of membership. Use the calculator below to adjust the length and see the same total broken out.
| Provider | Sourcing | What's included | Verified | Visit provider | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RxPepsDirectVerified Glutathione | 503A pharmacy | $99 for 3 months (est.) ≈3 vials · $20/vial incl. $39 consult | Consult fee extra · no membership | Jul 8, 2026 vial price | View |
Live VitalVerified Glutathione Free live doctor consult | 503A pharmacy | $199 for 3 months | No consult fee · no membership · shipping included | Jul 6, 2026 | View |
Ellie MDVerified Glutathione Injection | 503A pharmacy | $522 for 3 months $174 per month | No consult fee · no membership · shipping included | Jul 7, 2026 | View |
We average every cost to a standard 3-month protocol, which our medical advisors consider the best window for comparing cost and value. Monthly plans are multiplied by 3 and 3-month programs are taken as billed; each provider's own sticker price and cadence are shown underneath.
The headline figure is the total 3-month cost: the medication plus any one-time consult or provider-review fee (for example RxPepsDirect's $39) and three months of any membership fee. Where a fee is not published we fold in what is known and flag that other fees may apply.
Per-vial providers are averaged to a 3-month protocol at roughly one vial per month (3 vials), marked "est.", with the per-vial price shown underneath. Actual vial count depends on your dose and protocol.
Prices are gathered from each provider's public pages. The "Verified" date is when we last checked the provider's sticker price; for per-vial providers it is the vial price that was verified, not the averaged 3-month total.
Value check: total cost of therapy
This is the real value comparison. A sticker price hides consult and membership fees, so this adds everything up for a full protocol of Glutathione and ranks by true total cost. We default to a 3-month protocol, the window our medical advisors consider best for judging value.
Per-vial providers are estimated at about one vial per month (3 vials for 3 months), plus any one-time consult. Actual vial count depends on your dose and protocol, so the real cost may run higher or lower.
Safety notes
Oral glutathione is generally reported as well tolerated in short-term studies, with occasional reports of abdominal cramping, bloating, or loose stools. Inhaled forms have been associated with airway irritation and, in some people, bronchoconstriction. Intravenous and injectable use carries added risks including infusion reactions, and serious adverse events including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and reported deaths have been linked to unregulated injectable skin-lightening products. Quality, purity, and actual content vary for supplements and for any product sourced outside the licensed pharmacy system, so identity and dosing cannot be assumed.
Glutathione questions
How much does Glutathione cost?
Across the licensed providers tracked here, a full 3-month protocol of Glutathione totals $99 to $522, depending on the provider, dose, and what is included. We average every cost to a standard 3-month protocol, which our medical advisors consider the best basis for comparing cost and value, and the total folds in any one-time consult or provider-review fee and three months of membership. Each price shows the date the provider's sticker price was verified.
Is glutathione an approved medication?
No. Glutathione is not FDA-approved as a drug. It is sold as a dietary supplement or cosmetic, and injectable versions are available only through licensed compounding pharmacies with a prescription. Research into its uses is ongoing and many proposed benefits remain unproven.
Does oral glutathione raise glutathione levels in the body?
This is an area of active research and debate. Some studies suggest oral glutathione may be broken down during digestion, which raises questions about how much reaches the bloodstream intact. Certain formulations, such as liposomal or S-acetyl forms, have been studied for improved absorption, but the evidence is not conclusive.
How does cost and access typically work for glutathione?
Access depends on the form. Oral supplements are sold over the counter, while injectable or intravenous glutathione requires a prescription and is prepared by a compounding pharmacy. Because it is not an approved drug, insurance coverage is uncommon. Anyone considering it should consult a licensed healthcare provider.