Glutathione

Overview

Glutathione (GSH) is the γ-glutamyl tripeptide γ-Glu-Cys-Gly, the cell's principal low-molecular-weight antioxidant and redox buffer. Its defining structural feature is the unusual γ-glutamyl isopeptide bond, which links the glutamate side-chain carboxyl rather than the α-carboxyl to cysteine, making the molecule resistant to standard aminopeptidases. The free cysteine thiol is the reactive centre: it scavenges reactive oxygen species, conjugates xenobiotics through glutathione-S-transferases, and cycles between the reduced (GSH) and oxidised disulfide (GSSG) forms. It is catalogued as a high-purity research reagent for antioxidant, detoxification, and longevity research lines rather than as a peptide API. Vialdyne releases lyophilised reduced Glutathione to a ≥99.0% HPLC purity specification. Because the free thiol oxidises readily to GSSG, the batch COA pairs HPLC purity with MS identification, and a reduced-form (GSH vs GSSG) assay, water content, residual solvents, heavy metals and microbial limits are available on request and listed on the COA when tested, so a lab can confirm the starting material is predominantly the reduced species before use.

Applications & buyer fit

Buyers for longevity-class peptides span research labs working on telomere, collagen, and circadian-rhythm models, plus cosmetic-formulation OEMs incorporating peptides like GHK-Cu into anti-aging finished products. Copper peptides in particular require attention to chelator-free water and EDTA-free buffers in downstream formulation work, incompatibility there is the most common cause of "the peptide didn't work" support tickets in this class.

Primary buyer fit: academic and contract research laboratories.

Specifications

CAS

70-18-8

Molecular Formula

C10H17N3O6S

Molecular Weight

307.32 g/mol

Sequence

γ-Glu-Cys-Gly

Appearance

White to off-white lyophilized powder

Purity (HPLC)

≥ 99.0%

Strength

400 mg – 1500 mg

Packaging

10 vials/box · base pack (multiples of 10)

Half-life

≈ 9.2 minutes

MOQ

On request

Lead time

7–14 days

Storage

2–8°C, protect from light

Certificate of Analysis

Representative COA previews for Glutathione; request the certificate matched to the offered or supplied lot from sales. These are previews — request the full high-resolution certificate for any lot.

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Glutathione

VD260428-GTT087 · 99.39%

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Glutathione

VD260428-GTT085 · 99.58%

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Glutathione

VD260428-GTT086 · 99.57%

Regulatory note

Research-use-only reagent (antioxidant tripeptide); not for human or veterinary use. Verify reagent-grade compliance against the intended research application.

Selected literature

1. Forman HJ, Zhang H, Rinna A. Glutathione: overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Mol Aspects Med. 2009;30(1-2):1-12.
2. Weschawalit S, Thongthip S, Phutrakool P, Asawanonda P. Glutathione and its antiaging and antimelanogenic effects. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:147-153.
3. Sarkar R, Yadav D, et al. Glutathione as a skin-lightening agent and in melasma: a systematic review. Int J Dermatol. 2025;64:992-1004.
4. Dlova NC, et al. Systemic glutathione for skin lightening: a scoping review of current evidence. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2026 (online ahead of print).
5. Sinha R, Sinha I, Calcagnotto A, Trushin N, Haley JS, Schell TD, Richie JP Jr. Oral supplementation with liposomal glutathione elevates body stores of glutathione and markers of immune function. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2018;72(1):105-111.
6. Solnier J, Du M, Zhang Y, Roh YS, Kuo YC, Ibi A, Wood S, Hardy M, Gahler RJ, Chang C. A Targeted Metabolomic Assessment of Oral Glutathione Bioavailability and Safety in Humans: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial. Antioxidants (Basel). 2026;15(3):354.

Frequently asked questions