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Glutathione
By Nur → Last verified 9/26/2026
What it is
Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally produced by the body, also used topically in some brightening formulas across Korean skincare, generally as part of a multi-active blend rather than a standalone treatment.
What the evidence says
Helps neutralize free radicals and is marketed for brightening, though topical absorption and efficacy are less established than oral or injectable use. numbuzin built its entire No.5+ product name around glutathione specifically, pairing it with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, arbutin, and a stable vitamin C derivative in one eight-ingredient formula.
Who it's for
Brightening-focused routines generally, as part of a broader multi-active formula rather than relying on glutathione alone.
Worth knowing
No specific group needs to avoid topical glutathione at the concentrations used in leave-on cosmetics.
Where you'll find it
Products in our catalog that list Glutathione as a key ingredient.
- Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum
- APLB Glutathione Niacinamide Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF50+ PA++++
- Arencia Vitamin C Booster Shot
- AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum
- Cos De BAHA Tranexamic Acid 10% Serum (TT)
- COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum
- DERMA FACTORY Niacin Tranexamic 13% Serum
- DERMAFIRM Soothing Repair Toning Cream R4
- EQQUALBERRY Vitamin Illuminating Serum
- Goodal Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Care Serum Alpha
- innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum
- Jumiso Niacinamide 20 Serum
- Lagom Cellus Sun Gel Plus SPF50+ PA++++
- Mary&May Rice Niacin 10% Triple Vitamin Serum Seoul Edition
- medicube TXA Niacinamide Serum
- NINELESS B-Boost 1% Kojic Acid Serum
- NINELESS MELA-PRO 5% TXA Serum
- numbuzin No.5+ Glutathione Vitamin Concentrated Serum
- numbuzin No.9 NAD Bio Lifting-sil Essence
- ONE THING Niacinamide Glutathione Serum
- P.CALM Water Barrier Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
- Purito SEOUL Azelaic Acid 10 Kojic Tea Tree Serum
- Purito SEOUL TXA 6 Niacinamide 10 Retinal Serum
- The Saem Collagen EX Hydra Ampoule
- VT PDRN Reedle Shot 300
Frequently asked
What does glutathione do for skin?
It's an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and is marketed for brightening, though topical absorption and efficacy are less established than oral or injectable use.
Is topical glutathione as effective as oral glutathione?
Topical absorption and efficacy are less established than oral or injectable use, worth keeping realistic expectations for a topical product specifically.
Is glutathione usually a product's only active?
No, it's generally part of a broader multi-active formula. numbuzin's serum pairs it with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, arbutin, and a vitamin C derivative in one formula.