Description
The reduced, thiol-active form of glutathione, the tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine that serves as the principal intracellular antioxidant and substrate for phase II detoxification enzymes.
White to off-white crystalline powder with a faint characteristic odor. Highly water-soluble and active in the reduced thiol state.
We supply food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade Reduced Glutathione from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production. Produced by yeast fermentation under non-GMO conditions.
Common market grades include standard fermentation-derived GSH 98%, liposomal pre-blended GSH for absorption-enhanced supplements, and acetyl-glutathione (S-acetyl-GSH) for oral delivery.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering assay, oxidized GSSG ratio, optical rotation, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Introduction
Glutathione was first identified by J. de Rey-Pailhade in 1888 and chemically characterized by Frederick Gowland Hopkins in 1929. It is the most abundant intracellular thiol antioxidant, present at millimolar concentrations in virtually every human cell.
Modern commercial production proceeds by yeast fermentation, with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida utilis as the dominant production organisms. Chinese capacity expanded rapidly during the 2010s and now supplies the majority of global GSH used in supplements and cosmeceuticals.
The molecule is highly susceptible to oxidation, converting from GSH to the oxidized disulfide GSSG on exposure to air and moisture. Commercial material is packed under nitrogen and stored cold to maintain the reduced fraction above 98 percent through shelf life.
Oral bioavailability of unmodified GSH is limited but measurable. Liposomal, acetylated, and sublingual delivery systems improve absorption and are positioned as premium options in the supplement channel.
Where it is used
- Skin-brightening and tone-evening supplements popular in Asian and Latin American markets
- Liver-support and detoxification formulations
- Premium antioxidant complexes positioned above single-ingredient vitamin C or E products
- Cosmeceutical creams, serums, and topical products
- Functional beverages and shots in liposomal or stabilized form
- Co-formulation with N-acetyl-cysteine, vitamin C, and alpha-lipoic acid
- Sports recovery products targeting oxidative stress
- Injectable and intravenous compounded preparations (pharmaceutical channel)
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Assay (reduced GSH) | ≥ 98.0% |
| GSSG (oxidized form) | ≤ 1.0% |
| Optical rotation | −15.5° to −17.5° |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 0.5% |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Total plate count | ≤ 1000 cfu/g |
| E. coli, Salmonella | Negative |
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