What is the difference between reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione?
[Herb Spirit] uses internationally advanced fermentation and purification technology to provide you with high-purity reduced glutathione
Release time：
2025-09-29
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Reduced Glutathione vs Oxidized Glutathione?
The name "Glutathione" has long been well-known to those who are concerned about whitening and anti-oxidation.However, most people don’t know that the so-called “glutathione” on the market actually has hidden secrets. It is mainly divided into reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG).The difference of just one word makes a world of difference in its biological activity, stability and ultimate efficacy.
一、 定义
Reduced glutathione (GSH) - GSH is the monomeric form of glutathione, and its molecular structure contains one free sulfhydryl group (-SH) - this is the key group for its activity.
Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) - GSSG is an oxidation product of GSH, which is a dimer formed by two GSH molecules connected by a disulfide bond (-S-S-).
GSH ⟷ GSSG forms a vital redox cycle in the human body. In healthy cells, GSH typically accounts for over 90%, and maintaining this high ratio is key to keeping cells young and healthy.
二、 Difference
| Dimensions | Reduced glutathione（GSH） | Oxidized glutathione（GSSG） |
|---|---|---|
| Biological activity | Extremely high, it is a directly active form, and its free radical scavenging efficiency in in vitro experiments is 8-10 times that of GSSG | Low (indirect activity), needs to be converted to GSH to be effective |
| Dominance in the body | The main form (>90%), which determines the antioxidant capacity of cells | Minor form (<10%), an increased proportion indicates oxidative stress |
| Core Features | 1. Direct antioxidant: scavenges hydroxyl free radicals and superoxide anions, protecting cells from oxidative damage； 2. Detoxification: Combines with heavy metals (lead, mercury) and toxins to promote excretion； 3. Whitening: inhibit tyrosinase activity and reduce melanin production (core requirement of skin care products)； 4. Liver protection: repair liver cells and promote liver enzyme activity (core demand of health products) | 1. Regulate redox balance: When GSH is excessive in the body, GSSG can be converted into GSH to prevent excessive sulfhydryl damage to cells; 2. Auxiliary antioxidant: A small amount of GSSG can activate glutathione reductase and indirectly increase GSH levels; 3. No direct whitening or detoxification effects |
| stability | The free thiol group of GSH is easily oxidized to GSSG by oxygen, high temperature and light. | GSSG has no free thiol groups and its molecular structure is more stable |
| Production process and cost | High technical barriers, demanding production, storage, and packaging requirements, and high costs | The production process is relatively simple and the cost is low |
| Storage conditions | After being exposed to air for 24 hours, the activity will decrease by 30%-40%. Nitrogen (inert gas) should be used for protection during production, and the finished product should be sealed (such as aluminum-plastic blister, vacuum bag). | Sealed and stored at room temperature for 12 months, activity loss is only 5%-8%, no cold chain required |
| Applicable Scenarios | Products that require "direct and efficient functions" (such as whitening essences, liver protection capsules, anti-aging health products) | Products that require “gentle regulation” (such as probiotic compounds, basic antioxidant foods) |
When it comes to glutathione, the reduced form (GSH) is the only scientifically proven, direct, and highly effective gold standard. While its raw material costs and storage requirements are higher, the product benefits and consumer experience it delivers are unmatched by the oxidized form (GSSG).
【Herb Spirit】's Gold Standard GSH Solution
We are well aware that activity is the lifeblood of reduced glutathione. [Herb Spirit] uses internationally advanced fermentation and purification processes to provide you with:
High-purity reduced glutathione: Stable purity ≥99.9%, ensuring that every gram is in a highly active form.
Active protection throughout the entire process: From production to shipment, the product is kept at low temperature, away from light, and vacuum-packed in aluminum foil to minimize activity attenuation.
Comprehensive technical support: We provide detailed COA, HPLC spectra, stability data, and application recommendations to help you create truly effective star products.
Contact us now at market@xiaocaokeji.com/17789100358， to obtain top-quality reduced glutathione samples and technical information to inject core antioxidant energy into your products!
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