The Science Behind a Topical Glutathione Delivery System

Nayan Patel, PharmD, a compounding pharmacist with over 27 years of experience and CEO of Auro Skincare, has spent the last 15 years focusing on the development of technology-driven solutions to enhance glutathione delivery. Glutathione, a tripeptide composed of 3 amino acids, is synthesized endogenously and is the second most abundant molecule produced in the human body. It plays a critical role as a “master antioxidant” —neutralizing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species—and also functions as a conjugator in hepatic detoxification of xenobiotics and heavy metals.

Recognizing the limitations of oral glutathione supplementation, primarily due to its breakdown in the gastrointestinal tract, Patel’s team developed a patented topical delivery system called Auro GSH. This innovation was born out of his compounding pharmacy and aimed to stabilize the glutathione molecule while facilitating its penetration through both the skin barrier and cellular membranes. The dual-phase delivery system was designed to address 2 major challenges: transdermal absorption and intracellular delivery.

Patel emphasized that the goal of this technology is not to introduce another cosmetic product into an already saturated skin care market, but rather to create a clinically meaningful intervention. By enhancing glutathione levels within the skin, the technology in the G Serum aims to reduce oxidative stress—an underlying factor in numerous dermatologic conditions. Patel asserts that empowering the body to manage oxidative stress endogenously is a sustainable and physiologically aligned approach to skin health.

“Being a pharmacist, I'm looking for clinical outcomes more than anything else,” Patel said. In support of this approach, a small human clinical study was conducted at Western University School of Medicine, involving 30 participants, primarily medical students and faculty. The study measured oxidative stress markers (specifically malondialdehyde (MDA) levels) before and after topical application of Auro GSH. Results indicated a measurable reduction in oxidative stress within just 4 hours of application.

Patel concluded that the Auro GSH system represents a clinically promising method of delivering glutathione directly to skin cells, with implications not only for aesthetic dermatology but potentially for the management of oxidative stress-related skin disorders.