A few years ago, while binge-watching Made in Heaven, I remember the scene where a young bride-to-be heads over to a skin clinic to get a glutathione supplement, and ends up with rashes. But this ‘magical’ supplement, among others, has been talked about, used, and abused for decades. Remember conversations (hushed in the past but quite evident today) about how many actors’ skin tones have changed for the fairer, over the last couple of years? Similar results drive many, like the anxious bride in the series, into taking the treatment; others do so of their own volition to brighten their skin colour. Colonial hangover or genuine skincare, the debate takes many forms. And now away from scripted drama, the tragic death of actress and model Shefali Jariwala has cast a harsh spotlight on the hidden risks of the booming beauty supplement industry.

The global market for beauty supplements—including glutathione, collagen peptides, and hormone therapies—is valued at around $4 billion dollars today and is expected to cross $7 billion by 2030, and India’s injectable aesthetic treatments alone are growing in leaps and bounds annually. This demand is fueled by social media’s obsession with perfect skin, aggressive marketing of “miracle” drips, and a culture where many see these treatments as shortcuts to eternal youth.

The cause for Shefali’s untimely passing is unclear, with many reports suggesting a sudden cardiac arrest. But other reports also shared how the Mumbai Police found anti-ageing medicine, skin glow tablets and vitamin supplements during a search at the actor-model's apartment in Andheri. This has put her death in the centre of a conversation: beauty comes at a cost, especially when unregulated treatments mix with risky habits like fasting or self-medicating. Were anti-ageing medications and Glutathione injections the reason behind her death? What do these injectables really do, and are they safe? These questions deserve an answer, all without sensationalism or victim shaming.

According to Dr. Shifa Yadav, Consultant - Dermatology & Cosmetology at Artemis Hospitals, “More and more people are using injectables like glutathione, peptides, and hormone-based therapies to make their skin brighter, boost collagen production, and slow down aging. People often use glutathione off-label to lighten skin and boost antioxidants. Peptides are used to make collagen stronger and make wrinkles less noticeable. Hormone therapies, like growth hormone peptides, are meant to make skin more elastic, give you more energy, and speed up your metabolism. They are also not approved by the FDA for cosmetic use.”

And interest in these treatments has exploded in recent years. Dr. Ajay Rana, Dermatologist & Aesthetic Physician and Founder & Director of ILAMED highlights a cultural shift driven by social media and a growing desire for youthful look. “There has been a marked rise in interest, particularly from younger demographics in their late 20s to early 40s, influenced by social media and the desire for preventive aging. Over the last decade, we’ve seen an estimated 70–80% increase in the number of patients inquiring about and receiving injectable antioxidant and peptide-based treatments.”

According to reports, on June 27, Shefali Jariwala held a Satyanarayan puja at her home and observed a day-long fast. Despite it, she took her anti-ageing medications and also a vial of Glutathione injection. She later suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away.

Shefali Jariwala’s case, according to the experts, puts the spotlight on this industry for one big reason: how little we know about the long-term effects of these injectables. Did these medicines, cause her cardiac arrest? There isn’t enough study to establish correlation. Dr. Shifa stresses: “There isn't a lot of long-term safety data on injectable glutathione. No large-scale clinical trials have looked at how well it works to brighten skin or slow down aging, or how it affects heart health.”

Dr. Rana agrees, adding, “Currently, robust long-term clinical data is lacking, especially for intravenous glutathione used cosmetically. Some studies support its short-term safety, but there is no conclusive evidence on its long-term effects on cardiovascular health. Concerns include potential interference with normal oxidative stress processes, and rare reports of adverse effects like renal dysfunction or arrhythmias when used improperly or in high doses.”

Side effects range from mild discomfort to potentially life-threatening reactions. Dr. Yadav lists possibilities like pain at injection sites, rashes, bloating, dizziness, and mood swings. Dr. Rana details further for Glutathione: “Allergic reactions (rash, hives), abdominal cramps, breathing difficulties (in rare IV cases), disruption of normal melanin production, and rare hepatotoxicity with prolonged high doses.”

Over the last few years, there has been some research that suggests how anti-ageing pills and beauty supplements can have cardiovascular dangers, even for people without pre-existing heart problems. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh, Head - Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery at Artemis Hospitals, provides a warning: “Even if a person does not have heart disease, taking a lot of pills and injections at once, especially if they are rushed and not coordinated, can really mess up their heart rhythm and blood pressure. Polypharmacy, or taking too many medications, can cause blood pressure to rise or fall without warning, heartbeats to become irregular, and even periods of unconsciousness.”

Even in those with no prior heart disease, Dr. Singh explains, “Polypharmacy, or taking multiple injectables at once, can cause blood pressure to rise or fall unpredictably, lead to irregular heartbeats, and trigger unconsciousness. Taking five or more medications raises the risk of cardiac autonomic dysfunction.”

Shefali was reportedly fasting when she collapsed. Dr. Singh explains why fasting amplifies the dangers. “When you fast, your body slows down the sympathetic nervous system, decreases fluid levels, and opens blood vessels, which can cause sudden drops in blood pressure. Taking pills or injections on an empty stomach can overload this system, causing dizziness or, in severe cases, circulatory collapse.”

All three experts emphasise the importance of comprehensive health screening. According to Dr. Rana, “Baseline blood work should include liver and kidney function tests, complete blood count, fasting glucose, lipid profile, and hormone panels. A resting ECG and blood pressure checks are crucial, especially in patients with a family history of heart issues.”

Dr. Singh adds that even apparently healthy individuals should undergo ECGs to detect silent arrhythmias or blood pressure abnormalities. While beauty injectables like glutathione promise fast results, experts warn that the science on their long-term safety—especially for your heart—is far from settled.