Glutathione and transdermal glutathione cosmetics: the body's most central antioxidant, skin health, brain and cellular vitality
Glutathione is a small but very powerful tripeptide consisting of the amino acids cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. The molecule is produced naturally in almost all cells of the body, with particularly high concentrations in the liver, brain and immune cells. Glutathione is considered the body's most central endogenous antioxidant because it both neutralizes free radicals directly, recycles other antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E), participates in the detoxification of foreign substances, supports mitochondrial function and helps preserve the structure of proteins, lipids and DNA. In addition, glutathione has received increasing attention both in biohacking, anti-aging cosmetics, sports performance and integrated medicine, precisely because it lies so deeply at the core of the cells' physiology. This article provides a comprehensive and detailed review of glutathione's role in the body, with particular emphasis on skin health, cognitive function, aging, stress, and transdermal cosmetic formulations that utilize glutathione. At the same time, the difference between dietary supplements and cosmetic products is clarified: Glutaryl and related products from Auro Wellness are cosmetic, transdermal skin products, not dietary supplements, and are regulated as cosmetics - not as foodstuffs or medicines.
Summary: glutathione as a "master antioxidant" and why it is relevant for skin, brain and well-being
Glutathione occurs in two main forms: reduced glutathione (GSH), which is the bioactive antioxidant form, and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), which is formed when GSH has given up electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other free radicals. The ratio between GSH and GSSG is a key marker for the cell's redox status - in short, how "reductive" or "oxidatively loaded" the intracellular environment is. High levels of GSH and a favorable GSH/GSSG ratio are associated with robust cell function, good mitochondrial activity, effective detoxification and better resistance to daily stress.
With increasing age, cumulative exposure to environmental toxins, stress, ultraviolet radiation, alcohol, tobacco and unbalanced diet, the body's glutathione levels gradually decrease. This happens at the same time as the need for antioxidant protection increases. Research shows that low glutathione levels are associated with increased oxidative stress, reduced mitochondrial function, reduced skin quality, faster cognitive decline and several age-typical health challenges.
Glutathione can be supported through diet (sulphur-rich vegetables, protein, vitamin C and selenium), lifestyle (sleep, stress management, moderate physical activity) and various forms of glutathione or precursor supply (NAC, glycine, liposomal supplements, intravenous treatments and transdermal/topical formulations). This article places particular emphasis on transdermal glutathione as a cosmetic product, such as Glutaryl from Auro Wellness, developed by pharmacist Dr. Nayan Patel, and distributed in Norway by Uno Vita AS. Such products are cosmetic skin care products, intended for application to the skin surface with the aim of supporting the skin's natural regeneration, barrier, moisture balance and appearance - not dietary supplements to be taken.
Benefits and effects: how glutathione supports the body's natural processes
🧬 Cellular protection and redox balance
Glutathione protects cells by neutralizing free radicals and reactive oxygen species that could otherwise damage lipids, proteins and DNA. This helps to maintain a healthy redox balance in the cells and supports normal mitochondrial functions, which in turn are linked to energy turnover and vitality. By keeping the levels of oxidative stress at a manageable level, glutathione supports the body's ability to adapt to stresses such as physical activity, aging and environmental influences.
⚙️ Mitochondria and energy
Mitochondria are the cells' "power plant" and produce ATP, the body's energy currency. During this process, large amounts of ROS are formed as a by-product. Glutathione inside the mitochondria (mitochondrial GSH) is essential to protect the electron transport chain, membrane lipids and mitochondrial DNA from oxidative damage. Adequate glutathione levels support normal energy production, and can help cells function more efficiently in the face of daily challenges.
🧠 Brain, cognition and emotional balance
The brain accounts for about 20% of the body's oxygen consumption, despite the fact that it makes up about 2% of the body's weight. This makes nerve tissue particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress. Glutathione is a central antioxidant also in the brain and is involved in the regulation of the redox balance in neurons. Studies show that reduced glutathione levels in the brain are often observed in neurodegenerative conditions and cognitive impairment, and that this is linked to increased oxidative stress in brain structures. An adequate glutathione status supports normal neurotransmission, protects neurons against oxidative stress and can contribute to clearer cognitive function and better emotional balance within the framework of the body's natural regulatory mechanisms.
💗 Immune system and the body's natural defences
Glutathione is important for the normal function of several types of immune cells, including T-lymphocytes, B cells, macrophages and natural killer cells (NK cells). A good redox balance in the immune system supports normal function in the face of daily influences from the environment. Glutathione participates both in the protection of immune cells against oxidative stress and in the regulation of signaling pathways linked to the immune response.
🌿 Liver, detoxification and metabolic balance
The liver is the body's most important detoxification organ. Glutathione plays a key role in phase II conjugation, where reactive metabolites and foreign substances are made more water-soluble via binding to glutathione, before they are excreted via bile and urine. This process helps the body's natural detoxification to proceed more efficiently and supports normal liver function. Glutathione also participates in the protection of liver cells against oxidative stress from alcohol, environmental toxins and endogenous metabolites.
✨ Skin health, glow and cosmetic effect
In skin health, glutathione has received a lot of attention, both as an endogenous antioxidant and as an ingredient in modern cosmetics. At the skin level, glutathione is linked to:
• protection against oxidative stress from UV radiation and pollution
• support for skin barrier function and moisture balance
• reduction of oxidative degradation of collagen and elastin
• influencing melanin metabolism by inhibiting tyrosinase and favoring lighter pheomelanin over darker eumelanin
The result for many users of glutathione-based cosmetic products is an experience of smoother skin tone, more glow, reduced perceived dullness and a skin that appears more vital. The effect will vary individually, but the mechanisms are well described at the molecular level.
🔥 Inflammatory modulation and aging
Long-term, low-grade inflammation and chronic oxidative stress are central drivers in many aging processes. Glutathione is not a drug, but as a central redox regulator it participates in natural processes that affect how cells handle oxidative stress. A healthy glutathione status can help the body more easily maintain the balance between oxidative and antioxidative forces, which in turn is relevant for aging processes at the cellular level.
Technical specifications: biochemistry, synthesis, transport and forms of delivery
🧪 Biochemistry and synthesis
Glutathione is synthesized in the cells through two ATP-dependent steps:
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γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (also called glutamate-cysteine ligase) links glutamate and cysteine to γ-glutamylcysteine – this is the rate-limiting step and largely depends on available cysteine.
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Glutathione synthetase adds glycine to form glutathione (GSH).
Intracellular concentrations are often between 1–10 mM, and glutathione is the predominant non-protein thiol in most cells. GSH is continuously recycled via glutathione reductase, which with the help of NADPH reduces GSSG back to GSH. This cycle allows glutathione to work many times before it is broken down.
🧬 Mitochondrial glutathione
Mitochondria cannot synthesize glutathione themselves, but import GSH from the cytosol via specialized transporters in the inner mitochondrial membrane. There, GSH acts as a central defense against superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, which are continuously formed during electron transport and ATP production. Mitochondrial GSH also protects cardiolipin and other lipids in the inner membrane, stabilizes mitochondrial DNA and acts as a cofactor in several enzyme systems. Reduced levels of mitochondrial glutathione are linked to reduced energy production and increased vulnerability to oxidative damage.
🧴 Transdermal and topical delivery – cosmetics
Glutathione is a relatively large and water-soluble molecule, which makes traditional penetration through the skin barrier challenging. Modern formulations use various strategies to improve absorption through the stratum corneum and into deeper skin layers, including:
• nanotechnology and subnano complexes
• use of carrier molecules (e.g. cyclodextrins and phospholipids)
• optimization of pH, osmolarity and excipients to support penetration
• formulations adapted to the skin's physiology, so that ingredients are integrated into the skin's own lipid and water phases
A good example is Auro GSH™ Antioxidant Delivery System, developed by Dr. Nayan Patel and his team at Auro Wellness. The system is designed for transdermal delivery of glutathione via cosmetic products such as Glutaryl – a spray that is applied to the skin (typically on the wrist or the inside of the forearm). This type of formulation is designed to:
• deliver glutathione locally to the skin's surface and underlying layers
• support the skin's natural regeneration processes and barrier function
• utilize transdermal absorption so that glutathione can be included in the body's overall antioxidant defense
It is important to emphasize that Glutaryl is a cosmetic product, not a dietary supplement. It is not intended to be swallowed, injected or used as medicine. The purpose is to promote the skin's well-being, appearance and natural resistance to environmental influences, within the framework of the cosmetics regulations.
💊 Oral supplements, NAC and IV - brief overview (not related to cosmetics)
- Oral glutathione: traditional capsules and tablets are partially broken down in the gastrointestinal tract, and the effect on systemic levels has been variable in studies.
– Liposomal glutathione and S-acetyl-L-glutathione: have better stability and absorption than conventional forms.
– N-acetylcysteine (NAC): a very well-studied precursor for glutathione that increases available cysteine for endogenous synthesis.
– Intravenous glutathione: provides a rapid but short-term increase of glutathione in plasma, and is used in certain clinical contexts under medical supervision.
These forms are dietary supplements/medicinal applications and not cosmetics, and they are subject to different regulations and requirements than products such as Glutaryl, which are cosmetic and used on the skin.
Glutathione, cognitive function and the brain – protection of neurons and mental acuity
🧠 As we get older, many people experience that names sit worse, concentration fluctuates more and the brain can feel "foggy" on bad days. This is partly a natural part of the aging process, but the degree of cognitive change is strongly influenced by lifestyle, genetics, environmental stress and biochemical status – including redox balance and glutathione levels.
Key Points for Glutathione and Cognition:
• The brain has high oxygen consumption and many unsaturated fatty acids, which makes it extra susceptible to oxidative damage.
• Glutathione is a central antioxidant in the brain and protects neurons against ROS.
• Low glutathione levels in the brain are often associated with increased oxidative stress and can be linked to faster cognitive decline.
• The redox balance in the brain affects signal transmission, neurotransmitter balance and energy production in neurons.
Studies have shown that reduction in glutathione in specific brain regions is often seen early in neurodegenerative processes. Although glutathione is not a treatment in itself, this knowledge provides a strong biological explanation for why lifestyle, diet and possibly well-chosen glutathione-supporting strategies can be interesting as part of a holistic approach to brain health.
Transdermal glutathione products such as Glutaryl are not drugs, but by supporting the body's general antioxidant environment via skin application, they can form part of a broader strategy that also includes sleep, stress management, physical activity and a nutrient-dense diet.
Glutathione, stress, anxiety and emotional balance
😮💨 Everyday stress, lack of sleep and persistent mental stress affect both hormonal systems, the nervous system and redox balance. Oxidative stress in the brain and other organs can be increased by prolonged psychological stress, and several studies point to connections between increased oxidative stress and emotional challenges.
Glutathione participates in several mechanisms that are relevant:
• balancing ROS in brain tissue
• protection of mitochondria in neurons
• support for normal neurotransmitter function via redox-regulated enzymes
• general support for the body's natural ability to handle stress
Transdermal glutathione as a cosmetic product should not be marketed as a treatment for mental disorders, but can be seen as part of a holistic wellness approach where you simultaneously work with sleep, breathing techniques, physical activity, social support and healthy nutrition. A redox-balanced organism is often better equipped to handle stress in everyday life.
Glutathione, skin and cosmetics: glow, even tone and barrier
🌟 Skin is our largest organ and the most visible indicator of how we live, eat and handle stress. It is exposed daily to UV radiation, pollution, temperature changes and chemicals – all sources of free radicals that can create oxidative stress in the skin cells.
Glutathione is interesting in skin care for several reasons:
• it neutralizes free radicals in and around the skin cells
• it helps preserve elasticity and structure by reducing oxidative breakdown of collagen and elastin
• it affects melanin metabolism through inhibition of tyrosinase, which can support an even skin tone over time
• it supports the skin barrier and moisture balance by protecting lipids in cell membranes and the stratum corneum
Cosmetic products containing glutathione, such as serums, creams and sprays, are primarily aimed at:
• perceived glow and vitality in the skin
• smoother and more harmonious skin tone
• less visible dullness and tired skin
• reduced impression of fine lines and signs of fatigue
There are studies that have investigated the effect of glutathione on pigmentation and skin quality, and which indicate that glutathione can contribute to a reduction in hyperpigmentation and improved skin appearance with regular use. The effect will vary individually, and the time course can be several weeks to months.
🧴 Auro Skincare, Glutaryl and transdermal cosmetics
Auro Wellness has developed both skin care products (such as serums with glutathione) and glutathione-based transdermal sprays for whole body use. Glutaryl is such a product:
• there is one cosmetic spray which is applied to the skin
• it is formulated to deliver glutathione via the Auro GSH™ Antioxidant Delivery System
• the product is used on the skin surface, typically with a few sprays on the wrist or forearm, which is then gently rubbed in
The purpose is to give the skin access to glutathione in a way that supports the skin's natural antioxidant defences, glow and barrier. At the same time, transdermal delivery allows glutathione to be included in the body's more general redox balance.
It is crucial to emphasize that:
• Glutaryl is not a dietary supplement and shell not taken by mouth
• Glutaryl is not a drug and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease
• the product is regulated as cosmetics, and the area of use is the skin's appearance and well-being
For Norwegian customers works Uno Vita AS as a distributor of Auro Wellness's glutathione products, including Glutaryl. Uno Vita AS combines this with a professional focus on integrated medicine, biophysics, photobiomodulation, PEMF, frequency therapy and advanced health technology, and adapts information to Norwegian and European regulations.
Glutathione, thyroid and hormone balance - on a general level
🦋 The thyroid gland has a highly oxidative environment because the production of thyroid hormones is dependent on oxidative reactions. This makes the gland vulnerable to oxidative stress, and reduced antioxidant capacity can affect the fine balance in hormone synthesis. On a general level, glutathione is relevant because:
• it participates in the neutralization of free radicals that are formed in the gland
• it protects lipids and proteins in thyrocytes against oxidative damage
• it helps to maintain the normal function of redox-dependent enzymes
Glutathione or glutathione-based products should not be produced as a treatment for thyroid disease, but the understanding of glutathione's role in redox-regulated organs such as the thyroid gland supports why a good redox defense is generally beneficial for the body's endocrine system.
Glutathione, metabolic health, insulin and weight regulation - brief overview
⚖️ At the cellular level, oxidative stress affects several signaling pathways that are relevant to metabolic health, including insulin responses in muscle and fat tissue. Studies have shown that reduced glutathione synthesis can be linked to impaired glucose tolerance and altered fat metabolism.
Glutathione contributes to:
• protection of insulin-producing β-cells against oxidative stress
• support for mitochondrial oxidation of fatty acids
• maintenance of normal redox balance in metabolically active tissues
At the user level, this means that lifestyle and diet that support glutathione can also support normal metabolic processes. Cosmetic glutathione products such as Glutaryl are not weight-reducing agents, but can form part of a holistic lifestyle that also includes diet, physical activity and sleep.
NAC versus glutathione – two tools in the same redox toolbox
🧷 N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a well-known glutathione precursor that contributes cysteine, the amino acid that is often limiting for glutathione synthesis. NAC is well absorbed orally and has a long history both as a dietary supplement and as a medicine in certain indications.
Glutathione and NAC can be compared like this:
• Glutathione: the antioxidant itself, a tripeptide that cells use directly in redox reactions.
• NAC: source of cysteine, which enables the cells to produce more glutathione themselves.
Transdermal and cosmetic glutathione products such as Glutaryl focus on direct access to glutathione via the skin. NAC is primarily used as a dietary supplement or medicine and therefore belongs to a completely different category than cosmetics.
Natural ways to support glutathione levels: diet, lifestyle and environment
🥦 Diet
Several foods are known to support glutathione status, either because they contain glutathione directly or because they are rich in building blocks and cofactors:
• sulphur-rich vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onions, garlic, leeks
• fruit: avocado, strawberry, orange, grapefruit, melon
• protein sources: eggs, fish, chicken, meat, cheese, cottage cheese
• foods with a high content of vitamins C and E, which support the antioxidant network
• foods rich in selenium (eg Brazil nuts) which support glutathione peroxidase
😴 Lifestyle and sleep
Sleep is a powerful "reset" for the body's redox balance. Deep and undisturbed sleep supports repair mechanisms, hormone signaling and antioxidant networks, including glutathione. Chronic sleep deprivation, on the other hand, is associated with increased oxidative stress.
🏃♂️ Physical activity
Moderate and regular physical activity stimulates the body's endogenous antioxidant defenses, including glutathione, while extreme overtraining can temporarily increase oxidative stress. A steady rhythm of movement can contribute to a more robust redox balance over time.
🧘♀️ Stress management
Psychosocial stress affects hormones, the autonomic nervous system and redox balance. Simple measures such as breathing exercises, meditation, time in nature, good relationships and balancing work and rest can help ensure that the body does not use an unnecessary amount of glutathione to deal with stress reactions.
🚯 Reduced exposure to environmental toxins
Reducing exposure to tobacco, excessive alcohol use, heavily processed food, artificial additives and unnecessary chemical exposure in everyday life means that the body needs to use less antioxidant capacity for "firefighting". This frees up glutathione for other important processes.
Glutaryl, Auro Wellness and Uno Vita AS - distribution of roles and practical use
🌐 Auro Wellness and Dr. Nayan Patel
Auro Wellness is an American professional community founded by a pharmacist Dr. Nayan Patel, who has specialized in glutathione and redox biology for decades. They have developed the Auro GSH™ Antioxidant Delivery System, a patented glutathione delivery system designed for transdermal and cosmetic use.
🧴 Glutaryl - cosmetic transdermal spray
Glutaryl is a flagship product that:
• is classified and marketed as cosmetic product
• applied to the skin in the form of a spray
• is developed to support the skin's natural antioxidant defense and well-being
• uses the Auro GSH™ system to deliver glutathione via the skin
• 🧴 Cosmetic spray - application to the skin surface
• 💧 Transdermal – formulated to penetrate the skin barrier
• 💫 Skin glow and well-being - focus on appearance and skin experience
It is important to be clear that all possible effects on systemic markers in studies are interpreted within the framework of general redox biology and not as medical treatment claims. Glutaryl has been developed for the well-being and appearance of the skin, and that is how the product should be understood and used.
Uno Vita AS as Norwegian distributor
In Norway it is Uno Vita AS distributor of Auro Wellness's glutathione products, including Glutaryl. Uno Vita:
• ensures that labels, language and information are adapted to Norwegian
• offers professional guidance at a general level on the role of glutathione in redox biology, skin health and well-being
• combines transdermal glutathione products with a wide range in photobiomodulation, PEMF, frequency and information medicine, hydrogen technology and other solutions for integrated health and biohacking
Disclaimer and reservations - cosmetic products and general information
- Glutaryl and related glutathione sprays from Auro Wellness are cosmetic products, not dietary supplements. They are intended for application to the skin, not for ingestion or injection.
- The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All descriptions of glutathione's biochemistry and role in the body are general information about physiology and research, not specific treatment recommendations.
- People with known skin allergies, very sensitive skin or serious skin diseases should consult a qualified healthcare professional before use and always start carefully, for example with a small amount on a limited area of skin (patch test).
- In case of persistent irritation, redness or discomfort, the product should be washed off and use should be stopped.
- The information in this text is general and does not replace individual medical advice. People with chronic diseases, pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding and people who use prescription drugs should always discuss the use of new products and dietary supplements with a doctor or other qualified health personnel.
- Uno Vita AS does not claim that cosmetic glutathione products can cure disease or replace medical treatment.
Freedom of expression, knowledge sharing and the right to information
Uno Vita AS attaches great importance to the right to obtain, assess and disseminate research and specialist knowledge about health, well-being, biophysics and new technologies. Sharing of publicly available research on glutathione, antioxidants, skin health, biohacking and integrated medicine takes place in line with:
• UN Declaration of Human Rights (1948), Article 19, on the right to freedom of opinion and expression
• The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), Article 19, on freedom to seek, receive and impart information
• Norwegian Constitution § 100 on the protection of freedom of expression
• Principles of open science and academic freedom
The goal is for individuals to be able to make informed choices about their own health and well-being, within the framework of current laws and regulations. It involves both respect for the regulatory authorities' framework for what can be claimed about products and a clear right to convey scientific knowledge about physiology, redox biology, skin, aging and technologies that can support the body's natural processes.
Scientific references (examples)
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Pizzorno J. Glutathione! Integr Med (Encinitas). 2014;13(1):8–12.
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Richie JP Jr et al. Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione. Eur J Nutr. 2015;54(2):251–263.
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Minich DM, Brown BI. A review of dietary (phyto)nutrients for glutathione support. Nutrients. 2019;11(9):2073.
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Aoyama K. Glutathione in the Brain. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(9):5010.
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Honda T et al. Efficacy of glutathione for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: An open-label, single-arm, multicenter, pilot study. BMC Gastroenterol. 2017;17(1):96.
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Sinha R et al. Randomized controlled study of oral glutathione in skin pigmentation and oxidative stress. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(6):28–34.
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Allen J, Bradley RD. Effects of oral glutathione supplementation on systemic oxidative stress biomarkers in human volunteers. Antioxidants (Basel). 2011;10(2):275.
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Schmitt B et al. Effects of N-acetylcysteine, oral glutathione (GSH) and a novel sublingual form of GSH on oxidative stress markers. BMC Immunol. 2015;16:62.
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Sasania K et al. Topical Absorption of Glutathione–Cyclodextrin Nanoparticle Complex in Healthy Human Subjects Improves Immune Response against Mycobacterium avium Infection. Antioxidants. 2023;12(7):1375.
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Jones DP. Redox potential of GSH/GSSG couples and cellular responses. Free Radic Biol Med. 2006;40(10):1334–1349.
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Pallardó FV, Marković J, Domínguez J, Viña J. Role of nuclear glutathione as a key regulator of cell proliferation. Mol Aspects Med. 2009;30(1–2):77–85.
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Franco R, Schoneveld OJ, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. The central role of glutathione in the pathophysiology of human diseases. Arch Physiol Biochem. 2007;113(4–5):234–258.
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Marí M et al. Mitochondrial glutathione, a key survival antioxidant. Antioxidant Redox Signal. 2009;11(11):2685–2700.
