Using Glutathione as a Topical Antioxidant

Glutathione can indeed be used in skincare formulations for its antioxidant properties, even without the presence of Vitamin C. While it is sometimes combined with L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) to help improve Vitamin C's stability, Glutathione itself functions as an antioxidant.

However, as noted, Glutathione is generally considered an expensive ingredient. There is also limited extensive comparative research on its topical antioxidant efficacy compared to other well-established antioxidants like Vitamin E.

Therefore, if your primary goal is antioxidant benefit and you are considering cost-effectiveness, other standard antioxidant ingredients might be more suitable and have more research supporting their topical use.

An alternative to consider is N-Acetyl Cysteine. This ingredient acts as a precursor that helps the skin synthesize its own Glutathione. It is often a more cost-effective option than using Glutathione directly and can still contribute to the skin's antioxidant defense system.

If you choose to use Glutathione, it is available in various forms, including powder and liquid. It should typically be mixed into the water phase of a formulation, avoiding heat above 40°C, and kept within a pH range of 3-6 for optimal stability.

In summary, while topical Glutathione can provide antioxidant benefits on its own, its cost and the availability of other well-researched and potentially more cost-effective antioxidants like N-Acetyl Cysteine mean that other options might be preferable depending on your formulation goals and budget.