LADIES, BEWARE OF ‘GLUTATHIONE’ IN CREAMS | Daily News

LADIES, BEWARE OF ‘GLUTATHIONE’ IN CREAMS

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) warned consumers against using fairness products advertised to be containing different formulations of ‘glutathione’.

NMRA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kamal Jayasinghe explained that given that many advertisements were being run on the benefits of glutathione in skin whitening creams, it was important to heed the following warning, made with the consultation of the Sri Lanka College of Dermatologists:

“There is no evidence to support the use of intravenous glutathione as a cosmetic agent to improve skin tone and reduce pigmentation. Considering the potential for serious adverse effects, such use can in fact be dangerous,” the NMRA warned.

Although the topical and oral preparations of glutathione are claimed to be well tolerated, there is paucity of evidence regarding their effectiveness. Furthermore, long term safety of these preparations has not yet been established. As a result, in the absence of robust clinical trial evidence, the use of oral glutathione as a ‘skin whitening agent’ cannot be recommended, he said

Glutathione is an antioxidant found naturally in the human body and is also found in fruits, vegetables and meat.

The NMRA thus asked that the use of glutathione not be promoted directly or indirectly as a ‘skin whitening agent’ in advertisements. All advertisements related to medicinal and cosmetic products that make therapeutic claims need prior NMRA approval.


Add new comment