Antioxidant Actives
Glutathione (L-Glutathione Reduced) Supplier in Malaysia
FC Materials supplies L-glutathione reduced powder, the active form of glutathione, to supplement and personal-care manufacturers. Tell us your format and volume, and our team will send the specification, a lot-specific COA and pricing.
Ingredient Profile
Glutathione at a Glance
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Names | Glutathione, L-glutathione, reduced glutathione, GSH |
| CAS number | 70-18-8 (reduced glutathione) |
| Structure | Tripeptide of three amino acids: glutamic acid (glutamate), cysteine and glycine |
| Formula and mass | C10H17N3O6S; 307.3 g/mol |
| Active group | The thiol (–SH) on cysteine, which gives glutathione its antioxidant activity |
| Production | Mainly yeast fermentation |
| Our listed grade | L-Glutathione Reduced, N.L.T 98% assay — other forms: WhatsApp us |
The Master Antioxidant
What Is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a small peptide made inside every cell from three amino acids. It is often called the master antioxidant, and it is the most abundant antioxidant the body makes itself. [1]
Its cysteine thiol group gives up electrons to neutralise free radicals and peroxides. This protects cells from oxidative stress. In the process, two glutathione molecules join to form oxidised glutathione (GSSG). Enzymes then recycle it back to the reduced form (GSH). The GSH to GSSG ratio is a common marker of oxidative stress.
Glutathione also binds toxins and drug metabolites in the liver so they can be cleared. It supports the immune system too. In one trial, glutathione taken by mouth raised natural killer cell activity. [1]
The body makes glutathione from cysteine, glutamate and glycine. That is why N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a cysteine source, is used as a glutathione precursor. Vitamin C is a common partner in formulas.
Forms
Glutathione Supplement Forms Compared
| Form | What it is | Human evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced glutathione (GSH) | The active form; the standard raw material for capsules, tablets and sachets | Placebo-controlled trials of 250–1,000 mg a day [1][2] |
| Oxidised glutathione (GSSG) | Two GSH molecules joined by a disulfide bond | Studied at 250 mg a day for skin [5] |
| Liposomal glutathione | GSH enclosed in lipid vesicles to protect it in the gut | Small pilot study without placebo [3] |
| Sublingual glutathione | Tablets dissolved under the tongue | Small crossover trial; industry co-authors [4] |
| S-acetyl glutathione | GSH with an acetyl group on the thiol; made by chemical synthesis | Assessed as safe at 300 mg a day for adults by EFSA in 2026 [6] |
Interest in liposomal glutathione is growing in Malaysia, but the evidence for it is still limited. Compare forms by the assay, the stability data and the evidence for the exact form. See our glutathione forms guide.
Applications
Where Our Customers Use Glutathione
Beauty supplements
Capsules, sachets and effervescent tablets for skin, often with vitamin C. See what skin studies show.
Antioxidant & wellness formulas
General antioxidant blends, often with NAC, alpha lipoic acid or ergothioneine. See the research on benefits.
Skin care & cosmetics
Topical brightening products, usually with a stabilising system and paired with alpha arbutin or kojic acid.
Evidence
What the Research Says
- In a 6-month double-blind trial in 54 healthy adults, oral glutathione at 250 or 1,000 mg a day raised glutathione in blood. At the higher dose, levels rose 30–35% in red blood cells, plasma and lymphocytes. Levels returned to baseline a month after stopping. [1]
- A shorter 4-week trial in 40 healthy adults found no change in oxidative stress markers or glutathione status with 500 mg twice a day. [2]
- In a 1-month pilot study in 12 adults without a placebo group, liposomal glutathione at 500 or 1,000 mg a day raised blood glutathione by up to 40% after 2 weeks. [3]
- A 2025 systematic review found that oral glutathione at 250–500 mg a day lowered the skin melanin index versus placebo in five randomised trials. The effect did not last after stopping. The review concluded that intravenous glutathione is contraindicated. [7]
These summaries describe published research on the ingredient. They are not claims for any finished product; claims on finished products must meet the rules of the market where they are sold.
References
- Richie JP, et al. Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione. Eur J Nutr. 2015;54(2):251-263. doi:10.1007/s00394-014-0706-z
- Allen J, Bradley RD. Effects of oral glutathione supplementation on systemic oxidative stress biomarkers in human volunteers. J Altern Complement Med. 2011;17(9):827-833. doi:10.1089/acm.2010.0716
- Sinha R, et al. Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018;72(1):105-111. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2017.132
- Schmitt B, et al. Effects of N-acetylcysteine, oral glutathione (GSH) and a novel sublingual form of GSH on oxidative stress markers: a comparative crossover study. Redox Biol. 2015;6:198-205. doi:10.1016/j.redox.2015.07.012
- Weschawalit S, et al. Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:147-153. doi:10.2147/CCID.S128339
- EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA), et al. Safety of S-acetyl glutathione as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. EFSA J. 2026;24(9):e10258. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2026.10258
- Sarkar R, et al. Glutathione as a skin-lightening agent and in melasma: a systematic review. Int J Dermatol. 2025;64(6):992-1004. doi:10.1111/ijd.17535
- Arjinpathana N, Asawanonda P. Glutathione as an oral whitening agent: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Dermatolog Treat. 2012;23(2):97-102. doi:10.3109/09546631003801619
Safety & Dose
Glutathione Safety and the Doses Studied
Trials of oral glutathione have used 250 to 1,000 mg a day for 4 weeks to 6 months. [1][2] In a 12-week trial, both reduced and oxidised glutathione were well tolerated. [5] Long-term safety has not been established. [8]
Oral vs IV: glutathione drips and injections are a different matter. The 2025 review found IV glutathione is contraindicated because of a lack of efficacy and its side effects. [7]
EFSA assessed S-acetyl glutathione as safe at 300 mg a day for adults. It excluded pregnant and breastfeeding women. [6] Read more in our guide to glutathione side effects and safety.
Buying Checklist
What to Ask for on the Certificate of Analysis
- Reduced glutathione (GSH) assay, with the method (HPLC).
- Oxidised glutathione (GSSG) and other related substances. GSSG rises if the powder absorbs moisture.
- Specific optical rotation, loss on drying and residue on ignition.
- Heavy metals: lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury.
- Microbiology: total plate count, yeast and mould, E. coli and Salmonella.
- Production route (fermentation), GMO and allergen statements, and the Halal certificate.
- Batch number, manufacture date and retest date.
Glutathione has a sulfur odour and slowly oxidises in air, moisture and heat. Store it sealed, cool and dry, and protect it from moisture during filling.
Source & Compliance
Halal Status and Regulation in Malaysia
Commercial glutathione is produced mainly by yeast fermentation, not from animal tissue. Halal status still depends on the producer’s certification. FC Materials supplies L-Glutathione Reduced as a Halal-certified ingredient, and we send the certificate with your documents. To check the certificate for a specific lot, WhatsApp us.
Skin-lightening and other claims for glutathione products are regulated. Product categories also differ between markets. Confirm the permitted claims and the product category for your market, including with NPRA in Malaysia. Our FC | Comply team supports registration documentation.
Learn More
Glutathione Guides for Formulators
Frequently Asked Questions
Glutathione Questions from Buyers
What is glutathione?
Glutathione is a tripeptide made in the body from glutamic acid, cysteine and glycine. It is the most abundant antioxidant the body makes and protects cells from oxidative stress.
Is L-glutathione the same as reduced glutathione?
Yes. L-glutathione reduced (GSH) is the active form of glutathione and the standard raw material for supplements. The oxidised form is called GSSG.
What is the difference between oral and IV glutathione?
Oral glutathione is taken as capsules, tablets or sachets and has been studied in placebo-controlled trials. A 2025 systematic review concluded that IV glutathione is contraindicated because of a lack of efficacy and its side effects.
What are the different forms of glutathione supplements?
The main forms are reduced glutathione, oxidised glutathione, liposomal glutathione, sublingual glutathione and S-acetyl glutathione. Reduced glutathione has the most human trial data.
Is glutathione safe for long-term use?
Trials of oral glutathione have run for up to 6 months, and skin trials of up to 12 weeks reported it was well tolerated. Long-term safety has not been established, so each finished product needs its own safety assessment.
How long does glutathione take to work?
In trials, blood glutathione rose within 1 month of daily use. Skin melanin changes were measured after 4 to 12 weeks, and levels returned to baseline after stopping.
Is glutathione halal in Malaysia?
Glutathione is mainly made by yeast fermentation, but Halal status depends on the producer’s certification. FC Materials supplies L-Glutathione Reduced as a Halal-certified ingredient. WhatsApp us for the current certificate.
What is your minimum order quantity, and can I get a sample?
MOQ varies by grade. Samples are available for most ingredients to support formulation trials. Send us your application and volume for a tailored quote.
Sourcing Glutathione for Your Formula?
Tell us your format, target dose and volume. We will confirm availability and send the specification, COA and pricing.