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Glutathione

What Glutathione is & what it does

A master antioxidant naturally found in cells that neutralizes free radicals and is associated with a brighter, more even-looking tone. It helps defend skin against oxidative stress.

What is Glutathione and what does it do in sunscreen?

Glutathione is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in your cells. In a sunscreen it works alongside the UV filters, helping to neutralize free radicals and defend skin against oxidative stress from sun and pollution. It is also associated with a brighter, more even-looking tone, which is why brands add it to daytime formulas.

Is Glutathione safe?

Yes. Glutathione is a molecule your body already makes, and it is widely used in skincare with a good tolerability record. At the levels found in a sunscreen it is gentle and non-irritating for most people. As with any active, do a patch test first if your skin is reactive.

Does Glutathione clog pores?

Generally no. Glutathione is a water-friendly antioxidant rather than a heavy oil or wax, and it is used in small amounts, so it is an unlikely pore-clogging culprit. If you are breaking out, the richer emollients elsewhere in a formula are far more likely the cause.

Is Glutathione an antioxidant or a sunscreen filter?

It is an antioxidant, not a UV filter. Glutathione does not absorb or reflect UV light on its own, so it cannot replace the actual sunscreen actives. Its job is to support the filters by mopping up free radicals, which is why it appears in the supporting cast of a formula rather than as the SPF source.

What is Glutathione on an ingredient list (INCI)?

"Glutathione" is the INCI name printed on the label, and it is the same word used for the molecule itself. It is a small peptide built from three amino acids. It usually appears low on the ingredient list, among the antioxidants and skin-conditioning actives.

Sunscreens with Glutathione

We rate 117 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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