Glutathione is often highlighted as a prominent supplement for skin lightening due to its antimelanogenic properties¹². It is believed to impact the melanogenesis pathway, skewing it towards the production of lighter pheomelanin rather than darker eumelanin, which can lead to a lightening effect¹. However, the evidence supporting its efficacy is mixed, with some studies reporting appreciable but reversible results¹².

In addition to glutathione, supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin isomers have also been researched for their potential skin lightening effects. These carotenoids are known to filter blue light and protect the skin from environmental factors, which may help reduce the formation of melanin³.

For more effective results, the combination of L-Cystine with reduced L-Glutathione has shown promise. A 12-week clinical trial indicated that this combination significantly lightened skin and reduced facial dark spot size more than placebo or the individual components alone⁴.

Key Supplements for Skin Lightening

1. Glutathione: Acts as an antioxidant and affects melanogenesis to lighten the skin.
2. L-Cystine and Glutathione Combination: Synergistically work to enhance skin lightening and reduce dark spots.
3. Lutein and Zeaxanthin Isomers: Protect skin from harmful environmental factors and may reduce melanin formation.

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Footnotes

1. Sidharth Sonthalia, "Glutathione for skin lightening: a regnant myth or evidence-based verity?," Dermatol Pract Concept, 2018. ↩ ↩² ↩³

2. Sinee Weschawalit, "Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects," PMC, 2017. ↩ ↩²

3. Vijaya Juturu, "Overall skin tone and skin-lightening-improving effects with oral supplementation of lutein and zeaxanthin isomers," Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 2016. ↩

4. Joël Duperray, "The effects of the oral supplementation of L-Cystine associated with reduced L-Glutathione on human skin pigmentation," PubMed, 2022. ↩