E
earnestmach
Iron
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Debut post. Been lurking around here for some time now so kinda wanted to drop something off. I literally made an account just to share these findings.
Glutathione has been brought up a lot around here in skin lightening, but I haven't seen much credit given to the effectiveness of sublingual administration, hence this post.
DISCLAIMER
I'M JUST A STUDENT WITH ENOUGH FREE TIME ON THEIR HANDS TO RESEARCH A BIT INTO THIS. I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR DERMATOLOGIST. THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.
This information is provided for EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY. Use of this information is AT YOUR OWN RISK. The author assumes NO LIABILITY for any adverse effects, injuries, or outcomes resulting from preparation or use of this formulation.
BY USING THIS INFORMATION, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE:
AND READ EVERYTHING HERE BEFORE YOU BUY OR TRY ANYTHING.
TL;DR FOR RETARDS
Studies show sublingual glutathione lightens skin. This guide uses those studies to make a solution to do that.
You need:
• 5g glutathione powder
• 45ml propylene glycol
• 5ml glycerin
• 10ml distilled water
• 40mg menthol crystals
Mix, refrigerate, hold 3-5ml under tongue daily for 60-90 seconds.
Read full guide for safety, sourcing, and science.
Why Glutathione Works for Skin Lightening
Research shows glutathione inhibits melanin production through multiple pathways:
Translation: It switches your melanin from dark brown (eumelanin) to lighter yellow/red tones (pheomelanin) and blocks the enzyme (tyrosinase) that makes melanin in the first place.
I'm sure it can get a lot more advanced but I think this is a pretty well-established fact so I won't go much into it
Other Methods of Delivery
Oral Capsules = COPE
Regular oral glutathione has essentially ZERO bioavailability - your stomach acid and digestive enzymes destroy it before it can be absorbed.
One study found that even 3,000 mg oral glutathione failed to significantly increase plasma GSH levels.
IV Glutathione = Effective But Problematic
IV gives 100% bioavailability, but has more side effects. A comprehensive review notes:
Plus it costs a shit ton whether it's a clinic or you try doing it yourself. Not practical for most of you broke niggers.
Sublingual Administration
Clinical Evidence
Study: Buccal Glutathione in Filipino Women (Fitzpatrick Type IV/V)
A clinical trial tested 500 mg/day buccal lozenges for 8 weeks on brown skin (Type IV/V):
Why Sublingual Works?
Sublingual absorption bypasses the gut entirely. Direct absorption through highly vascularized tissue under the tongue makes it VERY bioavailable.
Research demonstrates that:
Drugs delivered via sublingual and buccal are often interchangeable in method, so what's allowed for one generally applies to the other.
Our Improved Formulation
THE CLINICAL STUDIES USED BASIC LOZENGES. WE'RE ADDING PHARMACEUTICAL-GRADE ABSORPTION ENHANCERS TO MAKE IT EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE.
Introduce Menthol as Permeation Enhancer
Pharmaceutical research shows menthol dramatically increases sublingual absorption:
This means we likely can get BETTER ABSORPTION than the clinical studies that already show 80% absorption.
OXYGEN SENSITIVITY
Oxidized Glutathione (GSSG) is LESS EFFECTIVE:
The reduced form (GSH) directly inhibits tyrosinase via its free thiol group. When it oxidizes to GSSG, it loses this direct activity and must be reconverted back to GSH by your body's enzymes before it works. Studies confirm this mechanism.
GLUTATHIONE IS OXYGEN-SENSITIVE - IT DEGRADES RAPIDLY WITH AIR EXPOSURE
SOLUTION TO OXIDATION:
Patent research demonstrates:
We want to prevent metals from coming into contact with the GSH because even tiny amounts of iron in water can fuck up reduced glutathione. This study shows:
Use steam-distilled or purified water ONLY, with NO OTHER INGREDIENTS. Not spring water, not "purified with minerals added," not tap water, not drinking water. Zero minerals.
With these precautions: ~30 day stability at 2-8°C (vs. degradation in hours without protection).
Basically: GET AN AIRLESS PUMP BOTTLE, DISTILLED WATER, AND REFRIGERATE OR YOU'RE WASTING YOUR MONEY.
THE FORMULATION (50 mL batch)
Propylene Glycol (PG) - 45 mL
What It Is:
USP-grade propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) is a pharmaceutical-grade solvent approved by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for food and drug use. It's commonly used in oral medications, food products, and cosmetics (source, CDC).
For full transparency: standard sublingual formulations typically use 10 - 25% PG. Our ~70% concentration is unconventionally high to ensure self-preservation and simplicity in compounding while still maintaining a decent safety margin. There are alternative ways to make a sublingual solution, but this is likely the safest option.
WHO/FAO Safety Guideline:
25 mg/kg × 70 kg = 1,750 mg (1.75 g) per day ADI
Our Formulation Exposure:
So we exceed WHO ADI by approximately 25% (1.25× recommended amount)
Safety Margin:
Duration of Exposure: 10 - 12 weeks, maybe slightly more
Considering that ADI is a measure of what's a safe amount to take every day for life, we're probably well within the safe range.
Potential Side Effects:
If Irritation Occurs: Reduce to 2 mL/day or dilute with glycerin.
Non-Standard but Pretty Safe:
70% PG formula is pretty atypical, but the amount we're consuming is well tolerated. Other solvents may work better but, considering the audience, this has BY FAR the most tolerance for error and I DON'T WANT LAZY FUCKS MISREADING AND HURTING THEMSELVES.
Reduced L-Glutathione (GSH) - 5,000 mg
What it does: This is your ACTIVE INGREDIENT. Glutathione is a tripeptide (three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine, glycine) that your body naturally makes. The reduced form (GSH) has a free thiol group (-SH) that directly inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that makes melanin. It literally shifts your melanin production from dark brown eumelanin to lighter pheomelanin, plus it blocks the reactive oxygen species that activate tyrosinase in the first place (study 1, study 2).
Why 5,000 mg (~80 mg/mL): Clinical studies on buccal glutathione showed that 500mg per day for 8 weeks achieves moderate skin lightening in brown skin (Fitzpatrick Type IV/V).
Source data
At ~80 mg/mL concentration, a 6 mL daily dose delivers close to that clinically-proven 500mg range. You can of course go above that, but for the purposes of the guide, we use 3-6mL reference.
Safety: Glutathione is GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. It's in tons of foods naturally. Clinical trials using up 500 mg/day sublingual showed NO ADVERSE EFFECTS.
Vegetable Glycerin USP - 5 mL
What it does: Glycerin serves multiple functions - it's a co-solvent (helps dissolve the glutathione alongside PG), a sweetener (naturally sweet, masks the medicinal taste), and a viscosity enhancer (helps the liquid stick under your tongue longer for better absorption).
Glycerin is commonly used in sublingual and oral pharmaceutical formulations to improve palatability (sweetness masks bitterness) and enhance mucoadhesion. At ~8%, glycerin provides these benefits without diluting PG's antimicrobial properties or requiring additional preservatives.
Safety: Vegetable glycerin is FDA GRAS-listed, used extensively in foods and oral medications. Your daily exposure (~0.5 mL from 3 mL dose) is equivalent to the amount from a dose of cough syrup.
Menthol Crystals USP - 40 mg
What it does: THIS IS THE KEY. Menthol is a permeation enhancer - it temporarily disrupts the lipid organization in your oral mucosa, allowing glutathione (a relatively large molecule) to pass through the membrane more easily and enter your bloodstream.
Why 40 mg (~0.6 mg/mL): Research on sublingual permeation enhancers tested multiple compounds and found menthol to be THE MOST EFFECTIVE. At just 0.2 mg/mL, menthol increased sublingual permeation by 247% - that's 2.5X better absorption. We're using ~0.6 mg/mL, which is 3X the effective dose from the study. This compensates for not using ethanol - ethanol also acts as a permeation enhancer, but menthol is actually MORE effective, cheaper, safer, and doesn't have age restrictions (cause many of you are < 21).
Safety: Menthol is GRAS for food flavoring and is in tons of OTC oral products (cough drops, toothpaste, mouthwash). Your daily exposure (~2.4 mg from 3 mL) is less than most cough drops. No safety concerns at this level.
(OPTIONAL) Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) - 100 mg
What it does: HPMC is a mucoadhesive polymer - it makes the liquid slightly thicker and helps it stick to the tissue under your tongue, increasing contact time. Longer contact time = more absorption.
Why 100 mg: At 0.2%, HPMC provides enough viscosity to slow saliva washout without making the formulation too thick or gel-like. Pharmaceutical research notes:
THIS IS OPTIONAL - the formulation works without it, but HPMC improves absorption a good amount by extending sublingual residence time.
Safety: HPMC is FDA-approved food additive, used in tons of pharmaceutical tablets and capsules. It's essentially inert - passes through your system unchanged. Zero toxicity concerns.
Steam Distilled / Purified Water - 10 mL
What it does: You need water to dissolve the glutathione powder before mixing into the propylene glycol/glycerin base. GSH dissolves better in an aqueous phase first, then gets incorporated into the organic solvents.
Why steam distilled water (NOT tap water)?
Already stated above. Scroll up.
Why 10 mL: Dissolving 5g glutathione requires adequate water volume (approx 0.5-1 g/mL solubility). The 10 mL allows proper dissolution while minimizing water content for stability.
Safety: It's just water. Completely safe.
EVERY INGREDIENT RATIO (other than PG, which I explained) IS BACKED BY RESEARCH OR INDUSTRY PRACTICE.
Table of Ingredients
Final concentration: ~80 mg glutathione per mL
Total volume: ~65 mL per batch
Total ingredient cost: ~$70
Equipment You NEED
CRITICAL Equipment:
1. AIRLESS PUMP BOTTLES (50mL)
2. Milligram Scale (0.001g accuracy)
Basic Equipment:
Total startup cost: ~$115 (all ingredients + equipment)
Important: All ingredients come in bulk quantities. The $115 purchase makes ~10 batches (approximately 6 months supply at 3mL/day). This is a ONE-TIME cost.
PREPARATION
CLEANLINESS
THIS IS NOT STERILE COMPOUNDING BUT YOU NEED TO BE AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE:
Step-by-Step Mixing
Container 1 (Aqueous Phase)
Container 2 (Solvent Phase)
Combine
Bottle
DOSING & USAGE
Daily Dosing Schedule
Target dose: 400-500 mg glutathione per day
Based on your pump output (test with water first):
Timing: Split doses throughout day (2-4x daily)
HOW TO USE
Do this on empty stomach for maximum absorption (30 min before meals).
RESULTS TIMELINE - WHAT TO EXPECT
Based on Clinical Data for Fitzpatrick Type IV/V Skin
Important Notes:
Potential Side Effects
Clinical study showed ZERO adverse effects, but theoretically possible:
DISCONTINUE IF:
COST COMPARISON
YOU SAVE MASSIVELY vs. commercial sublingual products. $115 for 6 months vs. $300-600 for commercial sublingual or $2,400-9,600 for IV clinics.[/B]
What to Know:
A systematic review notes:
REFERENCES
Glutathione Mechanisms & Why It Works:
Stability:
Absorption Enhancement:
Propylene Glycol Safety:
FINAL THOUGHTS
This formulation is based on peer-reviewed research showing 90% effectiveness for skin lightening in Type IV/V skin after 8 weeks.
By adding pharmaceutical-grade absorption enhancers (menthol) and stability optimization (airless bottles + refrigeration), we're potentially improving on the clinical study results.
At ~$20/month, this is way cheaper than commercial sublingual products with equivalent bioavailability.
BUT - you must be willing to:
NOTE: This is one approach among many. This is an underresearched side of skin lightening, and may or may not be more effective than pre-existing treatments (e.g. hydroquinone). The bottom line is that this is a novel, safe solution with a good chance of moderate, systemic skin lightening.
I literally just researched this with barely any understanding of it. Again - I'm not a dermatologist or pharmacologist, but I wanted to share what the research says.
I'd appreciate your thoughts, questions, and suggestions. Looking to update based on feedback.
Wanted to give back to the community I've learned so much from. Good luck to anyone who tries this.
Glutathione has been brought up a lot around here in skin lightening, but I haven't seen much credit given to the effectiveness of sublingual administration, hence this post.
DISCLAIMER I'M JUST A STUDENT WITH ENOUGH FREE TIME ON THEIR HANDS TO RESEARCH A BIT INTO THIS. I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR DERMATOLOGIST. THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.
This information is provided for EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY. Use of this information is AT YOUR OWN RISK. The author assumes NO LIABILITY for any adverse effects, injuries, or outcomes resulting from preparation or use of this formulation.
BY USING THIS INFORMATION, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE:
- You are an adult capable of making informed decisions
- You will research and verify all information independently
- You accept full responsibility for any consequences
AND READ EVERYTHING HERE BEFORE YOU BUY OR TRY ANYTHING.
TL;DR FOR RETARDS
Studies show sublingual glutathione lightens skin. This guide uses those studies to make a solution to do that.
You need:
• 5g glutathione powder
• 45ml propylene glycol
• 5ml glycerin
• 10ml distilled water
• 40mg menthol crystals
Mix, refrigerate, hold 3-5ml under tongue daily for 60-90 seconds.
Read full guide for safety, sourcing, and science.
Why Glutathione Works for Skin Lightening
Research shows glutathione inhibits melanin production through multiple pathways:
"At high concentrations, glutathione can influence melanogenesis by several proposed mechanisms. These include: (i) a shift in the production of pheomelanin over eumelanin; (ii) the effects of glutathione on tyrosinase; and (iii) the quenching of ROS and free radicals that influence tyrosinase activation."
Translation: It switches your melanin from dark brown (eumelanin) to lighter yellow/red tones (pheomelanin) and blocks the enzyme (tyrosinase) that makes melanin in the first place.
I'm sure it can get a lot more advanced but I think this is a pretty well-established fact so I won't go much into it
Other Methods of Delivery
Oral Capsules = COPE
"Oral intake of glutathione in the unprotected form is rapidly degraded in the gastrointestinal tract and only minimal amounts reach the systemic circulation."
Regular oral glutathione has essentially ZERO bioavailability - your stomach acid and digestive enzymes destroy it before it can be absorbed.
One study found that even 3,000 mg oral glutathione failed to significantly increase plasma GSH levels.
IV Glutathione = Effective But Problematic
IV gives 100% bioavailability, but has more side effects. A comprehensive review notes:
"Parenteral administration, specifically through the IV route, has been said to provide faster and better results because it avoids the first-pass metabolism seen with the oral route. However, safety continues to be a concern as there have been reports of adverse reactions. These range from mild, transient headaches and skin eruptions to severe drug reactions that have required hospitalization, as per the Philippine Dermatological Society's Advisory entitled 'Intravenous Glutathione as a Skin Whitening Agent', circulated on June 15, 2011."
Plus it costs a shit ton whether it's a clinic or you try doing it yourself. Not practical for most of you broke niggers.
Sublingual Administration
Clinical Evidence
Study: Buccal Glutathione in Filipino Women (Fitzpatrick Type IV/V)
A clinical trial tested 500 mg/day buccal lozenges for 8 weeks on brown skin (Type IV/V):
- 90% reported moderate skin lightening
- Statistically significant melanin index reduction at ALL measured sites (both sun-exposed and sun-protected)
- Excellent tolerance - ZERO adverse effects
"Global Assessment: 27 subjects (90%) noted moderate skin lightening [500 mg per 8 weeks]"
Why Sublingual Works?
Sublingual absorption bypasses the gut entirely. Direct absorption through highly vascularized tissue under the tongue makes it VERY bioavailable.
Research demonstrates that:
"Compared to oral administration, whereby under 10% actually enters the blood stream, orobuccal administration leads to over 80% absorption directly into the systemic circulation."
Drugs delivered via sublingual and buccal are often interchangeable in method, so what's allowed for one generally applies to the other.
Our Improved Formulation
THE CLINICAL STUDIES USED BASIC LOZENGES. WE'RE ADDING PHARMACEUTICAL-GRADE ABSORPTION ENHANCERS TO MAKE IT EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE.
Introduce Menthol as Permeation Enhancer
Pharmaceutical research shows menthol dramatically increases sublingual absorption:
"... the best CPE [Chemical Permeation Enhancer] was menthol, which enhances RSV [an antioxidant being tested] permeability up to 3.5 times (247.4%)"
This means we likely can get BETTER ABSORPTION than the clinical studies that already show 80% absorption.
OXYGEN SENSITIVITY
Oxidized Glutathione (GSSG) is LESS EFFECTIVE:
The reduced form (GSH) directly inhibits tyrosinase via its free thiol group. When it oxidizes to GSSG, it loses this direct activity and must be reconverted back to GSH by your body's enzymes before it works. Studies confirm this mechanism.
GLUTATHIONE IS OXYGEN-SENSITIVE - IT DEGRADES RAPIDLY WITH AIR EXPOSURE
SOLUTION TO OXIDATION:
- Airless pump bottles - prevents oxygen contact during use
- Refrigeration - slows oxidation rate by 10-20x
- Metal-free distilled/purified water - prevents catalytic degradation
Patent research demonstrates:
"Dramatic reductions in the rate of oxidative dimerization of glutathione can be achieved through storage of a reduced glutathione solution at a temperature which is above the freezing point of the aqueous medium, and below 15°C. Under these conditions, the rate of glutathione dimerization is dramatically reduced, with the concentration of reduced glutathione decreasing at a rate of between 0% and 5% of the initial reduced glutathione concentration per month."
We want to prevent metals from coming into contact with the GSH because even tiny amounts of iron in water can fuck up reduced glutathione. This study shows:
"We show that this fluid is often contaminated by traces of iron catalytic for free radical reactions, as demonstrated by the bleomycin assay and the ability of the iron to stimulate lipid peroxidation. Reduced glutathione (GSH) added to University of Wisconsin solution during its commercial preparation had oxidized to the disulfide in all samples examined. Addition of GSH to UW solution showed its half-life to be about one day."
Use steam-distilled or purified water ONLY, with NO OTHER INGREDIENTS. Not spring water, not "purified with minerals added," not tap water, not drinking water. Zero minerals.
With these precautions: ~30 day stability at 2-8°C (vs. degradation in hours without protection).
Basically: GET AN AIRLESS PUMP BOTTLE, DISTILLED WATER, AND REFRIGERATE OR YOU'RE WASTING YOUR MONEY.
THE FORMULATION (50 mL batch)
Propylene Glycol (PG) - 45 mL
What It Is:
USP-grade propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol) is a pharmaceutical-grade solvent approved by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for food and drug use. It's commonly used in oral medications, food products, and cosmetics (source, CDC).
For full transparency: standard sublingual formulations typically use 10 - 25% PG. Our ~70% concentration is unconventionally high to ensure self-preservation and simplicity in compounding while still maintaining a decent safety margin. There are alternative ways to make a sublingual solution, but this is likely the safest option.
WHO/FAO Safety Guideline:
25 mg/kg × 70 kg = 1,750 mg (1.75 g) per day ADI
Our Formulation Exposure:
- Daily dose: 3 mL × 70% = 2.1 mL propylene glycol
- PG density: ~1.04 g/mL
- DAILY EXPOSURE: ~2,184 mg (2.18 g)
So we exceed WHO ADI by approximately 25% (1.25× recommended amount)
Safety Margin:
- No-adverse-effect level in rats: 2,942 mg/kg/day (≈206 g for 70 kg human) (toxicology profile)
- Our dose: 2.18 g/day = 31 mg/kg → ~95× lower than no-effect level
- Estimated LD₅₀ for humans: ~1,400 g → our dose is ~640× lower than lethal
Duration of Exposure: 10 - 12 weeks, maybe slightly more
Considering that ADI is a measure of what's a safe amount to take every day for life, we're probably well within the safe range.
Potential Side Effects:
- Mild burning/tingling sensation
- Bitter/medicinal taste
- Oral irritation in sensitive individuals
If Irritation Occurs: Reduce to 2 mL/day or dilute with glycerin.
Non-Standard but Pretty Safe:
70% PG formula is pretty atypical, but the amount we're consuming is well tolerated. Other solvents may work better but, considering the audience, this has BY FAR the most tolerance for error and I DON'T WANT LAZY FUCKS MISREADING AND HURTING THEMSELVES.
Reduced L-Glutathione (GSH) - 5,000 mg
What it does: This is your ACTIVE INGREDIENT. Glutathione is a tripeptide (three amino acids: glutamate, cysteine, glycine) that your body naturally makes. The reduced form (GSH) has a free thiol group (-SH) that directly inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that makes melanin. It literally shifts your melanin production from dark brown eumelanin to lighter pheomelanin, plus it blocks the reactive oxygen species that activate tyrosinase in the first place (study 1, study 2).
Why 5,000 mg (~80 mg/mL): Clinical studies on buccal glutathione showed that 500mg per day for 8 weeks achieves moderate skin lightening in brown skin (Fitzpatrick Type IV/V).
| Degree of Skin Lightening | Score | n (%) |
| None | 0 | 0 |
| Mild change | 1 | 3 (10%) |
| Moderate | 2 | 27 (90%) |
| Obvious | 3 | 0 |
| Very marked | 4 | 0 |
At ~80 mg/mL concentration, a 6 mL daily dose delivers close to that clinically-proven 500mg range. You can of course go above that, but for the purposes of the guide, we use 3-6mL reference.
Safety: Glutathione is GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. It's in tons of foods naturally. Clinical trials using up 500 mg/day sublingual showed NO ADVERSE EFFECTS.
Vegetable Glycerin USP - 5 mL
What it does: Glycerin serves multiple functions - it's a co-solvent (helps dissolve the glutathione alongside PG), a sweetener (naturally sweet, masks the medicinal taste), and a viscosity enhancer (helps the liquid stick under your tongue longer for better absorption).
Glycerin is commonly used in sublingual and oral pharmaceutical formulations to improve palatability (sweetness masks bitterness) and enhance mucoadhesion. At ~8%, glycerin provides these benefits without diluting PG's antimicrobial properties or requiring additional preservatives.
Safety: Vegetable glycerin is FDA GRAS-listed, used extensively in foods and oral medications. Your daily exposure (~0.5 mL from 3 mL dose) is equivalent to the amount from a dose of cough syrup.
Menthol Crystals USP - 40 mg
What it does: THIS IS THE KEY. Menthol is a permeation enhancer - it temporarily disrupts the lipid organization in your oral mucosa, allowing glutathione (a relatively large molecule) to pass through the membrane more easily and enter your bloodstream.
Why 40 mg (~0.6 mg/mL): Research on sublingual permeation enhancers tested multiple compounds and found menthol to be THE MOST EFFECTIVE. At just 0.2 mg/mL, menthol increased sublingual permeation by 247% - that's 2.5X better absorption. We're using ~0.6 mg/mL, which is 3X the effective dose from the study. This compensates for not using ethanol - ethanol also acts as a permeation enhancer, but menthol is actually MORE effective, cheaper, safer, and doesn't have age restrictions (cause many of you are < 21).
Safety: Menthol is GRAS for food flavoring and is in tons of OTC oral products (cough drops, toothpaste, mouthwash). Your daily exposure (~2.4 mg from 3 mL) is less than most cough drops. No safety concerns at this level.
(OPTIONAL) Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) - 100 mg
What it does: HPMC is a mucoadhesive polymer - it makes the liquid slightly thicker and helps it stick to the tissue under your tongue, increasing contact time. Longer contact time = more absorption.
Why 100 mg: At 0.2%, HPMC provides enough viscosity to slow saliva washout without making the formulation too thick or gel-like. Pharmaceutical research notes:
"The liquid may easily be swallowed prior to transmucosal absorption. As a result, the dose of drug cannot be accurately controlled. Moreover, buccal liquids may lead to extra production of secretions, thus affecting drug absorption and patient's comfort. Mucoadhesive agents are therefore required to prolong the residence time."
THIS IS OPTIONAL - the formulation works without it, but HPMC improves absorption a good amount by extending sublingual residence time.
Safety: HPMC is FDA-approved food additive, used in tons of pharmaceutical tablets and capsules. It's essentially inert - passes through your system unchanged. Zero toxicity concerns.
Steam Distilled / Purified Water - 10 mL
What it does: You need water to dissolve the glutathione powder before mixing into the propylene glycol/glycerin base. GSH dissolves better in an aqueous phase first, then gets incorporated into the organic solvents.
Why steam distilled water (NOT tap water)?
Already stated above. Scroll up.
Why 10 mL: Dissolving 5g glutathione requires adequate water volume (approx 0.5-1 g/mL solubility). The 10 mL allows proper dissolution while minimizing water content for stability.
Safety: It's just water. Completely safe.
EVERY INGREDIENT RATIO (other than PG, which I explained) IS BACKED BY RESEARCH OR INDUSTRY PRACTICE.
Table of Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose | Where to Buy |
| Reduced L-Glutathione (GSH) | 5,000 mg (5 g) | ACTIVE INGREDIENT | Amazon/BulkSupplements (~$25) |
| Propylene Glycol USP | 45 mL | Primary vehicle/solvent/preservative | Amazon (~$10) |
| Vegetable Glycerin USP | 5 mL | Co-solvent/sweetener | Amazon (~$10) |
| Distilled Water | 10 mL | Dissolves glutathione | CVS/Walgreens (~$2) |
| Menthol Crystals USP | 40 mg (0.04 g) | Absorption enhancer (247% increase) | Amazon (~$8) |
| HPMC (optional) | 100 mg (0.1 g) | Mucoadhesive (longer contact time) | Amazon (~$12) |
Final concentration: ~80 mg glutathione per mL
Total volume: ~65 mL per batch
Total ingredient cost: ~$70
Equipment You NEED
CRITICAL Equipment:
1. AIRLESS PUMP BOTTLES (50mL)
- NOT OPTIONAL - REGULAR BOTTLES WILL LET YOUR GLUTATHIONE OXIDIZE
- Search Amazon: "50ml airless pump bottle"
- Must have internal piston mechanism that rises as you pump
- Cost: ~$10 for several bottles
2. Milligram Scale (0.001g accuracy)
- Unless you're confident you can measure out 0.1g, recommended
- Cost: ~$20
Basic Equipment:
- Measuring cups/syringes for liquids
- 70% Isopropyl alcohol or wipes (for sterilization)
- Container to mix in
- Dropper (for measuring water)
- Combined ~15$
Total startup cost: ~$115 (all ingredients + equipment)
Important: All ingredients come in bulk quantities. The $115 purchase makes ~10 batches (approximately 6 months supply at 3mL/day). This is a ONE-TIME cost.
PREPARATION
CLEANLINESS
THIS IS NOT STERILE COMPOUNDING BUT YOU NEED TO BE AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE:
- Clean your workspace - wipe everything with 70% alcohol
- Wash hands thoroughly - 30+ seconds with antibacterial soap
- Work in a clean bathroom or place with little air movement - run hot shower for 10 minutes first to settle airborne particles
- Wear gloves - spray them with alcohol and let dry
- Sterilize all tools - wipe with alcohol or boil for 10 minutes
Step-by-Step Mixing
Container 1 (Aqueous Phase)
- Measure 10 mL distilled water into clean container
- Add 5,000 mg (5 g) glutathione powder, stir until dissolved
- Stir for 1-2 minutes until fully dissolved
Container 2 (Solvent Phase)
- In separate container, combine:
- 45 mL propylene glycol
- 5 mL vegetable glycerin
- Add 40 mg menthol crystals to PG/glycerin mixture, stir until dissolved (~2 min)
- Add 100 mg HPMC, sprinkle SLOWLY while stirring to prevent clumping
Combine
- SLOWLY pour glutathione solution into PG/glycerin mixture while stirring continuously
- Stir for 2 full minutes to ensure homogeneous mixing
- Solution should be clear, no particles
Bottle
- Transfer to airless pump bottles using funnel
- Fill to 90% capacity (minimizes headspace oxygen)
- Prime pump by pressing 3-5 times until product dispenses
- REFRIGERATE IMMEDIATELY at 2-8°C (36-46°F)
DOSING & USAGE
Daily Dosing Schedule
Target dose: 400-500 mg glutathione per day
Based on your pump output (test with water first):
- If 0.25 mL per pump: 20-25 pumps per day = 400-500 mg
- If 0.5 mL per pump: 10-13 pumps per day = 400-500 mg
Timing: Split doses throughout day (2-4x daily)
HOW TO USE
- Pump directly under tongue
- HOLD FOR 90 SECONDS WITHOUT SWALLOWING
- After 90 seconds, swallow whatever remains
- Avoid food/drink for 15 minutes after administration
Do this on empty stomach for maximum absorption (30 min before meals).
RESULTS TIMELINE - WHAT TO EXPECT
Based on Clinical Data for Fitzpatrick Type IV/V Skin
| Timeframe | Expected Change | Evidence |
| Week 1-4 | Likely no visible change yet | Cellular changes beginning but not yet apparent |
| Week 6-8 | Moderate skin lightening in 90% of users | Clinical study: 500mg/day buccal glutathione for 8 weeks |
| Week 10-12 | Potentially increased lightening with continued use | No direct clinical data beyond 8 weeks; extrapolation |
| After stopping | Gradual return to baseline skin tone | Effects are reversible without continued use |
Important Notes:
- DARKER SKIN (Type V-VI) TAKES LONGER - expect 10-12 weeks for full results
- RESULTS VARY BY INDIVIDUAL - genetics, sun exposure, baseline melanin all affect outcome
- SUN PROTECTION IS MANDATORY - use SPF 30+ daily or you're wasting your time
- COMBINE WITH VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTS - oral vitamin C 500-1000 mg/day enhances glutathione recycling
Potential Side Effects
Clinical study showed ZERO adverse effects, but theoretically possible:
- Mild nausea (if swallowed too quickly)
- Temporary mouth/throat irritation (from menthol)
- Allergic reaction (rare)
DISCONTINUE IF:
- Severe allergic reaction occurs
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Any concerning symptoms
COST COMPARISON
| Method | Cost per Month | Bioavailability | Convenience |
| Oral capsules | $20-60 | ~3-10% (basically zero) | High |
| Liposomal oral | $40-100 | 40-64x better than oral | High |
| Commercial sublingual | $50-100/month | ~80% | High |
| IV clinic | $400-1600 | 100% | Very low (weekly visits) |
| OUR DIY SUBLINGUAL | ~$115 / 6 months | ~80%+ | Medium |
YOU SAVE MASSIVELY vs. commercial sublingual products. $115 for 6 months vs. $300-600 for commercial sublingual or $2,400-9,600 for IV clinics.[/B]
What to Know:
- Home preparation carries contamination risk - please follow instructions
- Individual results vary - genetics, sun exposure, metabolism all matter
- Requires consistency - you must use daily for 10-12 weeks minimum
- LIKELY NOT PERMANENT
A systematic review notes:
"Two studies evaluating oral/sublingual administration and one trial involving the use of topical glutathione reported good safety profile and appreciable but reversible results on skin tone."
REFERENCES
Glutathione Mechanisms & Why It Works:
- Systematic review of glutathione for skin lightening
- Filipino women study - 90% got moderate skin lightening with 500mg/day buccal glutathione for 8 weeks
- Comparison of oral vs sublingual glutathione effectiveness
- Evidence that sublingual administration gives 80% bioavailability (vs <10% oral)
- How GSH directly inhibits tyrosinase via its thiol group
Stability:
- Study showing trace iron in water causes GSH to oxidize with 24-hour half-life
- Patent showing refrigerated glutathione degrades only 0-5% per month (vs hours at room temp)
- How vitamin C and glutathione work together in redox cycling
Absorption Enhancement:
- Study proving menthol increases sublingual absorption by 247% - why we use it
- HPMC as mucoadhesive to keep liquid under tongue longer for better absorption
Propylene Glycol Safety:
- European regulatory report on PG safety - WHO ADI of 25mg/kg, standard pharmaceutical concentrations, toxicity data
- US toxicology profile for PG - no-adverse-effect dose of 2,942mg/kg/day in rats, metabolism info
- General PG info - GRAS status, LD50 values showing it's 3x less toxic than alcohol
- CDC safety statement on propylene glycol
- PG at 30%+ concentration is antimicrobial
- Study showing PG kills bacteria at 25/50% concentration
FINAL THOUGHTS
This formulation is based on peer-reviewed research showing 90% effectiveness for skin lightening in Type IV/V skin after 8 weeks.
By adding pharmaceutical-grade absorption enhancers (menthol) and stability optimization (airless bottles + refrigeration), we're potentially improving on the clinical study results.
At ~$20/month, this is way cheaper than commercial sublingual products with equivalent bioavailability.
BUT - you must be willing to:
- Follow clean preparation technique
- Use consistently 3-4x daily for 10-12 weeks
- Refrigerate and use within 28 days
- Accept the risks of DIY compounding
- Do it forever
NOTE: This is one approach among many. This is an underresearched side of skin lightening, and may or may not be more effective than pre-existing treatments (e.g. hydroquinone). The bottom line is that this is a novel, safe solution with a good chance of moderate, systemic skin lightening.
I literally just researched this with barely any understanding of it. Again - I'm not a dermatologist or pharmacologist, but I wanted to share what the research says.
I'd appreciate your thoughts, questions, and suggestions. Looking to update based on feedback.
Wanted to give back to the community I've learned so much from. Good luck to anyone who tries this.
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