Skin reacting to Vitamin C—is glutathione a better option or should I go back to basics?

Skin care & Anti-Aging
1

Hey everyone! I’ve been attempting to add Vitamin C to my regimen to help with glow and skin tone, but my skin is absolutely hating it :sob:

I’ve experimented with:

lower concentrations
various derivatives
reducing frequency
different layering techniques

…yet I still end up with redness, irritation, or random breakouts. I’m starting to think it’s just not meant for me.

I’ve noticed people talking about glutathione as a “gentler antioxidant” lately, but I’m not sure how it stacks up against Vitamin C regarding effectiveness or how it works.

Before making a change, here is my current routine:

AM:

Cleanser: (mild gel cleanser)
Toner: hydrating toner
Serum: (currently stopped using Vitamin C)
Moisturizer: light cream
Sunscreen: SPF 50 daily

PM:

Cleanser: same as AM
Toner: same
Treatment: occasional exfoliant (1–2x/week)
Moisturizer: same

Skin type: combination and a bit sensitive
Main concerns: dullness, uneven texture, and the occasional breakout

Questions:

Is glutathione a legitimate substitute for Vitamin C, or are they too different to compare?
Has anyone here made that switch and seen improvements?
Or should I just drop the actives and stick to a minimal routine given my skin’s reaction?

I’d love to hear your thoughts or advice :smiling_face_with_tear:

2

Perhaps you could try using hyaluronic acid instead?

3

For effective antioxidant benefits, it’s usually better to use a blend of ingredients rather than just one. There are several excellent serums and creams available. I’m a fan of the Sungboon Editor Astaxanthin capsule cream; it’s quite a comprehensive antioxidant product.

If you’re specifically looking to brighten your skin, ingredients like glutathione, tranexamic acid, and azelaic acid are worth considering. The latter two have more research backing them, and you can often find them paired together. Glutathione is still relatively new in the scene. You might also look into the La Roche Posay Mela B3 serum—it’s well-supported by evidence, though it does have fragrance, which is a bit of a downside.