Stress is considered a silent killer but more specifically, it’s oxidative stress in our cells that’s linked to disease, decline, and health issues. The good news is that the best glutathione supplement can help. "Think of glutathione as your body’s natural protector,” explains Nayan Patel, MD, an advanced biochemistry and anti-aging science expert and the founder of wellness brand Auro. "It helps maintain balance at the cellular level by protecting against daily stressors, reviving other antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and supporting the body’s built-in detox pathways—starting with the liver.”
Glutathione is a highly specialized tripeptide and most powerful antioxidant in the body. "What makes glutathione unique is that it works inside the cell, where most oxidative stress actually happens,” per board-certified family medicine physician Heraa Chaudhry, MD. "Many antioxidants circulate in the bloodstream, but glutathione functions within cells to help neutralize free radicals at their source.”
Vogue’s Favorite Glutathione Supplements:
Our bodies naturally produce glutathione and optimal levels can be maintained through diet and lifestyle factors. "Sulfur-rich foods like broccoli, brussel sprouts, garlic, and onions, along with adequate protein, regular exercise, and quality sleep, are foundational for adequate glutathione levels,” says Dr. Chaudhry. However, pretty much every facet of modern day life can contribute to draining our glutathione levels. "Aging, chronic stress, environmental exposure, poor sleep, and illness can all deplete levels over time," says Dr. Patel. "Since oxidative stress is linked to nearly every known disease process, glutathione serves as the body’s primary natural protector, helping maintain balance at the cellular level."
If you’re interested in this magic antioxidant, we asked leading experts to weigh in on the latest innovations, ingredients to prioritize, and how to evaluate the best glutathione supplements on the market.
Best Glutathione Supplement Overall: Pure Encapsulations Liposomal Glutathione
- Why We Love It: One of the reasons many professionals love Pure Encapsulations is for their premium-grade quality, transparency, and efficacy. This formula, in particular, offers a liposomal delivery—a 125 mg phospholipid complex—to protect against degradation during digestion. "Transparency in formulation, clear dosing, and a delivery system designed to improve intracellular absorption are all important when looking for an effective glutathione supplement," says Dr. Patel. "Glutathione is sensitive to degradation so look for a formula that focuses on stability and oxidation protection." It also includes a clinically-studied glutathione called Setria L-Glutathione, revered for its purity, quality, and powerful results. Pure Encapsulations also takes transparency a bit further: while they list their proprietary glutathione complex BioGlute on the ingredient label, they break down exactly what is in it—250mg of Setria l-glutathione and 125mg of a phospholipid complex—for total clarity.
- Key Ingredients: Setria glutathione, phospholipid complex
- Dose: 1 softgel
- Form: Softgel
- Size: 30 softgels
Best Glutathione Supplement For Antioxidant Support: Cymbiotika Liposomal Glutathione
- Why We Love It: One of these gel sachets a day delivers a dose of reduced glutathione in a citrus-vanilla flavor, making it incredibly convenient (and pleasant) to take regularly. It’s perfect for busy days while you’re on-the-go or stashing in your travel bag. "Maximizing the benefits of glutathione comes down to thoughtful formulation, consistency, and pairing supplementation with supportive lifestyle habits such as proper nutrition, hydration, and restorative sleep," says Dr. Chaudhry. Made with other powerful antioxidants—CoQ10 and PQQ—for additional cellular support, as well as vitamin B12, this squeezable gel gives added antioxidant support for a comprehensive approach.
- Key Ingredients: Reduced glutathione, PQQ, vitamin B12
- Dose: 1 packet
- Form: Gel
- Size: 26 packets
Best Reduced Glutathione Supplement: BodyBio Liposomal Glutathione
- Why We Love It: Glutathione exists in two different states within cells: oxidized (GSSG) and reduced (GSH). "GSH is the active antioxidant form necessary to neutralize free radicals and protect the body from a series of toxins," says Dr. Patel. Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) is essentially the inactive form that arises when GSH has neutralized toxins. Research shows that oral glutathione supplementation was effective in elevating reserve levels of GSH in the body which impacted immune function and levels of oxidative stress. Third-party tested and manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility, this capsule not only includes reduced glutathione for optimal effectiveness, but also comes in a liposomal form to ensure you can actually reap the benefits of taking it.
- Key Ingredients: Reduced glutathione, sunflower-derived phospholipids
- Dose: 1 capsule
- Form: Capsule
- Size: 60 capsules
Best Liposomal Glutathione Supplement: Codeage Liposomal Glutathione
- Why We Love It: Glutathione encapsulated in liposomes (lipids that protect from stomach acids) help it move through the body more effectively so it reaches the intestinal tract intact, to help enhance absorption and bioavailability. "Liposomal glutathione may offer improved bioavailability compared to standard capsules due to its fat-based delivery system," says Dr. Chaudhry. This capsule delivers 500mg of high-potency, clinically-tested Setria L-glutathione in an encapsulated powder pill form using a liposomal phospholipid complex sourced from non-GMO sunflower. It’s vegan, non-GMO, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free, making it a top choice for those with a variety of dietary restrictions.
- Key Ingredients: Setria L-glutathione
- Dose: 2 capsules
- Form: Capsule
- Size: 60 capsules
Best Glutathione Supplement with Milk Thistle: NOW Foods Glutathione
- Why We Love It: Not only is this glutathione supplement affordable, readily available in your local health store, and made with high-quality ingredients, it’s also made with milk thistle extract to supercharge your glutathione levels. The active component in milk thistle seeds, silymarin, has been shown in some studies to increase glutathione levels naturally up to 35-50% by protecting liver cells and supporting their function. "Maintaining healthy glutathione levels supports the body’s ability to keep cells functioning at their best—particularly in high-demand systems like the liver and nervous system," Dr. Patel explains.
- Key Ingredients: Glutathione, milk thistle extract, alpha lipoic acid
- Dose: 1 capsule
- Form: capsule
- Size: 30 capsules
Best Liquid Glutathione Supplement: Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Glutathione
- Why We Love It: Those who prefer taking their supplements in liquid form to avoid swallowing pills will love that this comes in two refreshing flavors—lemon mint and cacao mint. There’s a few different delivery systems for glutathione but according to Dr. Chaudhry, "liposomal formulations are designed to improve stability and bioavailability." This liquid encapsulates the power of glutathione in teeny tiny nano liposomes—less than 100nm—which the brand says is even more easily absorbed by your body. "Glutathione taken orally must pass through digestion, where effectiveness can vary—making the delivery method an increasingly important part of the longevity conversation," says Dr. Patel. A daily dose is two pumps by mouth, followed by holding the liquid in your mouth for 30-90 seconds before swallowing. By using this sublingual method, some research suggests it could potentially support more rapid absorption of the nutrient through mucosal tissues and bypass digestion.
- Key Ingredients: Opitac glutathione, phosphatidylcholine
- Dose: 1 mL (2 pumps)
- Form: Liquid
- Size: 1.7 oz
Best Low Dose Glutathione Supplement: Renue by Science Lipo Glutathione
- Why We Love It: Regularity is super important when it comes to supplementing with glutathione and one of these liposomal vegetarian capsules delivers a low 130mg dose that’s ideal for beginners to help bolster your glutathione levels. Most clinical studies show benefits with 250–500 mg of glutathione per day. If you’re new to glutathione, Dr. Patel says to start low and increase gradually. "Individuals vary in baseline oxidative stress and detoxification capacity, so beginning conservatively allows the body to adjust," he says. "Consistency is more important than high dosing at the start."
- Key Ingredients: Glutathione, sunflower lecithin
- Dose: 1 capsule
- Form: Capsule
- Size: 90 capsules
Everything You Need to Know
What is glutathione?
Glutathione is a naturally occurring tripeptide composed of three amino acids: glutamine, cysteine, and glycine. "It’s often referred to as the body’s “master antioxidant” because of its central role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting overall cellular health," says Chaudhry.
The Benefits of Glutathione
Cellular Protection
Glutathione is key in protecting your cells and mitochondria against damage. "Glutathione helps the body manage the everyday wear and tear we are all exposed to," says Chaudhry. "Glutathione helps counterbalance this by neutralizing free radicals and supporting healthy cellular function." By protecting cells from oxidative damage, glutathione is also crucial in preventing chronic diseases. "There is growing research exploring glutathione’s role in oxidative stress and overall cellular health," says Dr. Patel.
Detox Support
Glutathione promotes liver cell detoxification and neutralizes harmful toxins which can protect the liver from disease. "Glutathione plays a central role in the liver’s natural detoxification processes, helping the body process and eliminate metabolic waste," says Dr. Chaudhry. "This combination of intracellular protection and detox support is what sets it apart."
Strengthens Immune Function
By supporting the activity of white blood cells to fight bacteria and viruses, glutathione can help enhance the body’s immune defense mechanisms and response.
Metabolism Support
"Some clinical studies have looked at oral glutathione supplementation in individuals with metabolic conditions and observed reductions in markers of oxidative stress, along with modest improvements in certain metabolic measures over time," says Dr. Patel. "Other areas of research are examining how glutathione may influence immune cell activity and inflammatory balance.”
Healthy Skin
According to Patel, glutathione is increasingly being embraced across longevity and aesthetic medicine for its "potential to support radiant skin, vitality, and long-term cellular health." As a powerhouse antioxidant, it can support your skin by fighting free radicals and oxidative damage.
"It’s often associated with brighter, more even-looking skin in wellness and aesthetic settings due to its influence on melanin pathways," says Dr. Chaudhry.
What is the best form of taking glutathione?
There are many different forms for taking glutathione—liquid glutathione, glutathione tablets, injectable glutathione, glutathione IVs, topical glutathione, and more. The best form of glutathione depends on what you re hoping to support—and the delivery method is important. "Oral supplementation is convenient, but absorption can vary due to breakdown in the digestive tract," says Dr. Chaudhry. "In clinical settings, IV administration allows glutathione to bypass digestion and enter circulation directly, offering more predictable absorption."
According to Dr. Patel, IVs can be "effective in the short-term", but can create "sharp spikes in blood levels that rise quickly and fade just as fast." After years of research, Dr. Patel developed a patented sub-nano topical delivery system designed to transport reduced glutathione across the skin barrier and into circulation which can be found in his Auro Wellness products. Either way, Dr. Patel says that while the research findings are "promising", research is "still evolving so glutathione should be used thoughtfully within an evidence-based, medically supervised framework."
Is it better to take NAD or glutathione?
NAD and glutathione serve different, but equally important roles in the body. "NAD is essential for cellular energy and metabolic function, while glutathione is the body’s primary defender against oxidative stress and a key player in detoxification," says Dr. Patel. Instead of either or, they work best together. "For many longevity experts, supporting glutathione is often considered the foundational first step—helping the body manage oxidative load and maintain cellular balance—before layering in NAD to optimize energy and performance," adds Dr. Patel.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations—we take all the more care when discussing supplements like glutathione, using a comprehensive, science-backed approach to ensure product efficacy. Our process begins by consulting with healthcare professionals—doctors and longevity experts—who provide expert insights into the most effective, evidence-based supplements currently available. We combine their clinical expertise with rigorous product testing and our editorial standards to create well-researched, trusted recommendations.
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Nayan Patel is an advanced biochemistry and anti-aging science expert and the founder of Auro Wellness, a skincare company that focuses on antioxidants.
- Heraa Chaudhry, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician with over a decade of clinical experience, specializing in preventative medicine, women’s health, and integrative wellness. She also serves as the medical director at Dripology NYC, a luxury IV therapy brand located at the intersection of the Lower East Side and SoHo