Fact Check: IV glutathione drips lighten skin? Instagram's popular trend lacks long-term safety data, carries serious risks

Hyderabad: Intravenous (IV) glutathione drips for skin lightening have become ubiquitous on Instagram. Beauty clinics across India are promoting the treatment as a solution for achieving ‘Korean glass skin’ and a brighter complexion.

In a video posted on June 26 by Bengaluru-based skin and hair clinic on their Instagram handle, newmee_cosmetology_bnglr, a client named Kajal shared her experience about the process: “Hi, I am Kajal. I took six sessions of skin lightening treatment. I can see wonderful changes in my body, so I am very happy. Thank you, Newmee Cosmetology.”

The caption for the post reads, “Skin lightening treatment! IV glutathione is a potent antioxidant that offers various benefits, including skin brightening, detoxification, and potential support for the immune system. It’s also known for its anti-ageing properties and ability to reduce oxidative stress. Few sessions required. Combined with other therapies. Free Consultation with a doctor. Book your slot now.”

Similarly, Instagram user yasmin_allabakash, with around 3 lakh followers, shared a video on August 31 promoting Chennai-based LIVF women's clinic. In the video, a woman describes her transformation through the process: “Earlier, I used to go anywhere with some mild makeup. But right now, I have huge confidence because the skin automatically gets a glassy tone. I can say that I can go out without makeup."

She continues, “Earlier, my skin used to be very dry. Basically, I have dry skin. Now it is radiant, since I take antioxidants, and I am on a diet. My skin is more radiant than before, and I feel very good and confident.”

The video’s caption reads, “Yasmin opens up about how Glutathione IV drips transformed her skin, from dryness and dependence on makeup to a natural, radiant glow. With antioxidants and guided diet support from LIVF. Women, her skin became healthier, brighter and more confident than ever.”

Multiple similar videos promoting medical-grade glutathione IV drips have been circulating on Instagram, with clinics across India offering the treatment for skin brightening.

Here and here are similar posts promoting the procedure.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim is misleading. While glutathione may offer temporary skin lightening effects, IV administration carries serious health risks. Medical experts and recent research reveal that the treatment lacks long-term safety data and has been flagged by international regulators.

What the science shows

Hyderabad-based dermatologist Dr C Madhavi explained the science behind glutathione: “Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced in the liver, widely used in IV form for purposes like skin lightening, detoxification, immune support and athletic recovery. Scientific evidence supports its rapid bioavailability through IV administration and benefits in reducing oxidative stress. However, efficacy and safety data remain limited and somewhat controversial, especially regarding dosing and long-term use.”

She noted that IV administration bypasses the digestive system, offering nearly 100 per cent bioavailability. “This allows rapid elevation of plasma glutathione levels and immediate antioxidant effects in cells,” Dr Madhavi said.

Regarding skin lightening specifically, Dr Madhavi explained, “Glutathione influences melanin production by modulating enzymes like tyrosinase involved in pigmentation. Some studies show temporary skin lightening effects with IV glutathione. However, the actual mechanisms are not fully understood, and a lack of standardised dosing protocols plus safety concerns like liver dysfunction and anaphylaxis have been reported. Due to these risks, IV glutathione skin lightening should be carefully monitored in clinical settings.”

Critical research findings

A comprehensive study published in January in the journal Cureus evaluated the safety and effectiveness of glutathione administered intravenously.

IV glutathione raised serious concerns. While some participants reported temporary skin lightening after IV infusions, the study found that 32 per cent experienced adverse reactions, including liver dysfunction and even a case of anaphylaxis. Critically, the skin-lightening effects faded within six months.

The study also suggests that the Philippine FDA has issued warnings against the cosmetic use of IV glutathione due to a lack of standardised dosing, severe allergic reactions, potential liver damage and unregulated, non-medical administration. The study’s authors described IV glutathione as ‘one of the most controversial and unsafe’ methods of skin lightening.

The researchers called for larger long-term clinical trials, standardised dosing guidelines, stronger regulation of IV cosmetic infusions, better public education on risks and manufacturing quality control for skin-lightening products.

The Instagram effect vs. reality

Delhi-based Robotic, Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgeon Dr Anshuman Kaushal offered a critical perspective in his Instagram video: “Glutathione is an antioxidant molecule made by the body — the liver is its global headquarters. Whenever any clinic suggests you get a glutathione drip, they are actually saying, take the molecule which your liver gives you for free, but pay a premium subscription for it. It’s a lovely business model.”

Dr Kaushal addressed the visual results promoted on social media: “What does the science say? After IV glutathione, melanin production can become slow, and the tyrosinase enzyme will become chill (slow down). But the Instagram whitening magic which you see — that’s 90 per cent lighting, LUT exposure or a bit of Photoshop.”

He pointed out the lack of scientific evidence: “What is the evidence for IV glutathione drip? Large randomised trials — zero. Long-term safety — missing. The Thai and Philippine FDA have already warned about it because they found cases of liver and kidney injury, rashes and life-threatening allergies. But in India, the trend is going on — fairness by glutathione drip. Science is gone.”

Dr Kaushal also outlined some benefits from the procedure: “Well, short-term brightness, event-based glow for weddings or photoshoots. But when you stop the drip, the body thinks you’ve shut down the melanin factory. Now it has to run a double shift. Result? Rebound pigmentation, a patchy look, which can be seen on an unfiltered camera.”

He clarified his position: “My problem is not with brightening, but with the hype. If any patient is informed, aware and taking the risk, then it’s okay. But those who sell it as ‘fairness in one drip’, they are making false promises."

Dr Kaushal recommended evidence-based alternatives: “For real glow: sunscreen, retinoid, niacinamide, vitamin C, Mediterranean diet, hydration, weight control, sleep and less stress — all these work and are proven. IV Glutathione is a shortcut. It’s quick excitement and quick disappointment.”

Hence, the claim is misleading.