Glutathione's 'desi glow' craze hides serious health risks and weak science
Glutathione's 'desi glow' craze hides serious health risks and weak science
Glutathione's 'desi glow' craze hides serious health risks and weak science
The demand for glutathione treatments is rising fast, fuelled by celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing. Clinics often promote these treatments with terms like 'desi glow' and 'brightening', targeting women of colour and reinforcing harmful beauty standards. Meanwhile, experts warn of unproven benefits and serious health risks tied to its use—especially in intravenous form.
The global market for glutathione is set to expand by 8.8% each year, reaching over £400 million annually by 2032. Despite this growth, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for skin pigmentation remains weak. In the UK, the treatment is not licensed for cosmetic or wellness purposes, yet some clinics still offer it under legal exemptions, raising safety concerns.
Asma Iqbal, a blogger and nutritionist, has been receiving IV glutathione drips for six months. She initially tried it for an energy boost before noticing its skin-brightening effects. Another woman, Zara Zeeshan, underwent the treatment once or twice a month for a year, drawn in by claims it could address 'dullness', 'pigmentation', and stress-related skin issues.
Regulators, including the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), have issued warnings about unlicensed products and unregulated aesthetic practices. While no official count of clinics offering these treatments exists, media reports from outlets like the BBC and The Guardian have highlighted the risks. Professionals now call for more open conversations about colorism and better representation of darker skin tones in media to challenge these harmful trends.
The popularity of glutathione treatments continues to grow, despite limited proof of their safety or effectiveness. Experts stress the need for honest discussions about health rather than appearance, urging greater awareness of the risks involved. Without stricter regulation, the trend may persist, leaving many vulnerable to unproven and potentially dangerous procedures.