‘Glowing skin’ IV drips carry serious risks, doctors warn

The growing social media trend of using intravenous (IV) glutathione drips to achieve lighter, brighter skin is drawing concern from doctors, who warn that the treatment has limited evidence of long-term safety or effectiveness and can carry serious health risks.

IV glutathione infusions are increasingly promoted by beauty clinics and medical spas as a quick way to alter skin tone. However, research has not established strong evidence that the treatment is effective for skin lightening. A 2024 systematic review also found IV glutathione unsuitable for this cosmetic purpose because of concerns over its limited effectiveness and potential adverse effects.

The safety concerns have gained further attention in the United States. On August 27, 2026, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported receiving adverse-event reports involving at least 30 patients following IV glutathione use. Reported symptoms included fever, chills, body aches, dizziness, signs of shock and symptoms consistent with sepsis, with some patients requiring hospitalisation.

The FDA said the cases were consistent with exposure to excessive levels of endotoxins. Some batches of glutathione involved in the reports had been manufactured from ingredients intended for use as dietary supplements rather than for injection. Such ingredients can contain contaminants or endotoxins that may cause severe reactions when introduced intravenously.

Several compounded glutathione products were also recalled in the US in August after being found to contain elevated endotoxin levels. FDA warnings cited possible reactions including fever, low blood pressure, inflammatory responses and anaphylactic shock, as well as the potential for death.

Doctors also point to the lack of reliable data on the long-term effects of IV glutathione for cosmetic skin lightening. With its long-term safety and effectiveness still uncertain, experts advise people not to rely on social media promotions or beauty-clinic claims and to consult a registered doctor before considering such treatments.