Glutathione IV Therapy in Apgujeong, Gangnam Seoul
Board-Certified Dermatologist Top 2% in Korea 13+ Years
Glutathione IV Therapy · quick answer
What glutathione IV therapy does, in one paragraph
Glutathione IV therapy is an intravenous drip of glutathione, an antioxidant the body makes naturally. It is thought to shift melanin production towards lighter pigment and reduce oxidative stress, so some patients use it to support a brighter, more even complexion. The evidence is modest and effects are subtle, so at Ever Skin Clinic a board-certified dermatologist first diagnoses the cause of your pigmentation and uses glutathione only as a supporting step alongside proven treatments such as lasers and sun protection.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jieun Kim, M.D. Founder & Director, board-certified dermatologist. Dermatology residency at Hanyang University Hospital; adjunct professor, Hanyang University College of Medicine. Meet our dermatologists Last reviewed October 2026
- Ingredient
- Glutathione, often with vitamin C
- Best for
- Dullness and uneven tone, as an add-on to pigmentation care
- Treatment time
- About 20 to 40 minutes per drip
- Downtime
- None expected; mild arm soreness at the drip site
- Course
- Usually repeated over several weeks; effects are subtle and temporary
The treatment
What is glutathione IV therapy?
Glutathione is a small molecule made in the liver that helps cells handle oxidative stress. In the skin it is thought to inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme that drives melanin production, and to favour lighter pheomelanin over darker eumelanin. Giving it by drip raises blood levels briefly, which is why it is used as a brightening support rather than a stand-alone pigment remover.
On this page we focus on glutathione as part of a pigmentation plan. Spots, melasma and sun damage still need targeted care such as laser toning or Pico laser. For drip schedules and practical tips for visitors, see our Glutathione IV guide for travellers.
What glutathione can and cannot do
- Can support a slightly brighter, more even overall tone in some patients
- Can complement laser and topical treatment for dullness
- Cannot remove defined spots, freckles or birthmarks
- Cannot replace daily sunscreen, which is essential for any pigment result
- Cannot change your natural skin colour permanently
Is it right for you?
Who is a good candidate?
Glutathione drips suit adults with dull or uneven skin who are already following a dermatologist-led plan and want an extra, low-downtime step. Your dermatologist will check whether your concern is melasma, sun spots, post-inflammatory pigmentation or something else, because each needs a different main treatment.
It is not a good fit if you expect dramatic whitening, and we do not use it to lighten healthy natural skin tone.
Glutathione IV may suit you if you
- Have dull, tired-looking skin or uneven tone
- Are having melasma treatment or laser toning and want supportive care
- Prefer a treatment with no visible downtime during a trip
- Have no allergy to glutathione or drip ingredients
- Understand results are subtle and need maintenance
Your visit
What happens during treatment
A drip is done seated in a quiet room and can be booked on the same day as a laser session.
- Consultation A board-certified dermatologist reviews your pigmentation, health history and medicines and decides whether a drip is appropriate.
- Preparation The formula is prepared and a nurse places a fine cannula in a vein in your arm.
- Infusion The drip runs for about 20 to 40 minutes while you rest.
- Plan We remove the cannula, check you feel well and agree how glutathione fits around your other treatments.
Real patient · before & after
Our non-surgical results
This case shows filler dissolving and HIFU lifting. It is shown as an example of our non-surgical work and is not a glutathione IV result; IV drips produce subtle overall changes that photos rarely capture well.
Ask us at consultation for pigmentation cases relevant to your concern, such as laser toning or melasma treatment results.
Photos are shared with the patient's consent and are not retouched apart from privacy blurring. Results differ from person to person and are not guaranteed.
See more before & after photosRecovery & safety
Recovery, side effects and safety
Most people feel nothing unusual. A small bruise or tenderness at the drip site is common. Less often, patients notice nausea, flushing, headache or a skin rash; rare allergic reactions are possible, which is why drips are given under medical supervision. Long-term safety data for repeated high-dose glutathione is limited, so we use conservative doses and courses.
Tell your dermatologist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have asthma, kidney or liver disease, a history of allergic reactions, or take regular medicines or supplements. Glutathione is not suitable for children.
Aftercare tips
- Keep light pressure on the drip site for a few minutes to limit bruising
- Drink water and eat normally on the day
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day to protect any brightening
- Continue the laser or topical treatments in your plan
- Contact the clinic if you develop a rash, swelling or breathing discomfort
Questions we hear every day
Glutathione IV Therapy FAQ
Does glutathione IV really whiten skin?
Studies show modest and inconsistent brightening, and any change is gradual and temporary. It does not remove defined spots or melasma on its own. We use it as a supporting step and rely on lasers, topical treatment and sunscreen for the main improvement. Your dermatologist will tell you what is realistic for your skin.
How many glutathione drips do I need?
Patients who choose it often have drips weekly or every two weeks over a course of several sessions, then occasional maintenance. Because evidence is limited, we keep courses conservative and review whether it is helping. The plan depends on your pigmentation type and the other treatments you are having.
Is glutathione IV safe?
When given under medical supervision at sensible doses it is generally well tolerated, but side effects such as rash, nausea and, rarely, allergic reactions can occur. Long-term data on repeated high doses is limited. Your dermatologist checks your health history before starting and monitors you during the drip.
Can I combine it with laser treatment?
Yes. Many patients have a drip on the same day as laser toning or Pico laser. The laser treats the pigment directly, while glutathione is used as optional support. Sun protection remains the most important step for keeping results.
Is it practical for a short trip to Seoul?
Yes, there is no visible downtime, so you can sightsee straight after. One or two drips alone will make little difference, so if your main concern is pigmentation, we usually prioritise laser or topical treatment during a short stay and suggest a plan you can continue at home.
Talk to a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Send us your skin concern and photos on WhatsApp. An English-speaking team member will reply and arrange your consultation.
Mon & Thu 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00 · Closed Wed, Sun & holidays
