Glutathione skin whitening injections gain popularity in Pakistan despite medical warnings

Glutathione injections are becoming increasingly popular in Pakistan’s beauty and cosmetic market with clinics promoting intravenous treatments as a way to achieve lighter skin.

ISLAMABAD: Glutathione injections are becoming increasingly popular in Pakistan’s beauty and cosmetic market with clinics promoting intravenous treatments as a way to achieve lighter skin. However, dermatologists warn that scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness remains limited while reported side effects raise serious questions about their safety.

Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally produced by the human body to protect cells from damage. It is also present in foods such as spinach, avocado, asparagus and cucumbers. Cosmetic practitioners claim that administering high doses through injections can reduce melanin production potentially making skin appear lighter.

The treatment has developed into a lucrative business particularly across South Asia Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. In Pakistan clinics advertise so-called “gluta drips” often promoting them alongside claims about improved energy, immunity and detoxification.

According to Lahore-based dermatologist Dr Amna Ahmar glutathione may influence the activity of tyrosinase an enzyme involved in melanin production. However she cautions that patients should not expect dramatic or permanent changes. A single intravenous session at a reputable Pakistani clinic can cost around Rs25,000 while treatment plans may involve weekly sessions followed by continued maintenance.

Medical experts say the research behind cosmetic skin lightening through intravenous glutathione is far from conclusive. Houston-based dermatologist Dr Sana Zahiruddin noted that existing studies are generally small and have produced inconsistent findings. Any improvement she said is usually modest and temporary.

A Pakistani study involving 50 women conducted by doctors in Multan around a decade ago also raised safety concerns. Participants receiving glutathione injections showed no convincing advantage over the comparison group while all women in the treatment group experienced side effects. One participant suffered anaphylactic shock a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Islamabad-based aesthetic physician Dr Taskeen Iqbal also questioned the dramatic results shown in cosmetic advertisements saying such transformations cannot be achieved through the treatment alone.

Beyond medical concerns specialists point to the influence of colourism which has long shaped beauty standards in South Asian societies. Women and increasingly men seek lighter complexions for reasons ranging from marriage prospects to social acceptance and professional opportunities.

Experts say the growing market reflects persistent pressure to associate fair skin with beauty and success despite the lack of convincing evidence that glutathione injections offer a safe or reliable cosmetic solution.