Once known as a popular medical supplement, glutathione has now made its way into the world of beauty. It is now being marketed as the go-to solution for skin brightening and anti-aging. However, as its popularity continues to skyrocket, so do the formats in which it is made available: from injectable drips to oral tablets, and more recently, patches.

Currently, social media is flooded with bold claims and videos of influencers casually dropping “gluta” into their routines like it’s the new collagen. But here is the catch: not all glutathione formats are the same - nor are they suited for everyone. We need to understand that each method of delivery comes with its own absorption rate, cost and even skin profile.

"Glutathione drips are used for delivering the antioxidant directly into the bloodstream through IV. This is believed to offer fast and high absorption. Injections also provide direct delivery, but this occurs in small doses. Moreover, when discussing patches, they release glutathione through the skin over time, with slower and possibly less effective absorption," says Shareefa Chause, Dermatologist, Dr. Shareefa Skin Care clinic, Mumbai.

On being asked which method of Glutathione delivery is the most effective, Dr. Bindu Sthalekar, Celebrity Dermatologist, Trichologist & Cosmetologist, says, "From my experience, IV drips are the most effective because they deliver glutathione straight into the bloodstream - ensuring maximum absorption. Patches can be helpful for maintenance. However, they are generally less potent."

Injectable glutathione happens to be one of the most popular forms in clinics. It is often administered intramuscularly. What does it do? It allows the antioxidant to bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream directly - promising faster absorption and quicker results.

Dr. Falguni Shah, Founder of Radiance Clinic, says, "Before going in for IV Glutathione therapy, patients should keep a few precautions in mind. This is to ensure both safety and efficacy." She explains, "Firstly it is essential to visit a certified medical practitioner, preferably a qualified dermatologist. Make sure this person is trained and experienced in administering the treatment. The therapy should never be done in a salon or unregulated setup. It must be performed in a proper clinical setting where a doctor and a trained nurse are present throughout the entire duration of the drip, not just at the start or end."

According to her, another key factor is the quality and source of the glutathione being used. Since this treatment isn’t tightly regulated, there is unfortunately a market flooded with substandard glutathione, which is often sourced from unreliable or overseas suppliers. "Patients should always ask their doctor about the origin of the glutathione being used and whether it comes from a reliable, pharmaceutical-grade source. Only certified doctors are typically able to procure and use medically approved formulations," Dr. Falguni says.

Glutathione may be a buzzword in beauty. However, like any powerful ingredient, it demands a great deal of research responsible use. Whether you are drawn to the convenience of patches or the appeal of injections and the wellness vibe of drips, you need to ensure that your skincare journey is backed by real science — and not just an Instagram reel.