- *MSRP:
$16.99- Our Price:
- $12.75
- Buy: at $12.75
- UPC: 733739080622
- # N8062
NOW Solutions Glutathione Skin Brightener Cream with Ceramosides & Aquaxyl
Product Overview & Quick Specs Snapshot
NOW Solutions Glutathione Skin Brightener™ Cream is an intensive daily facial moisturizer formulated to visibly brighten uneven skin tone, fade the appearance of dark spots, and lock in deep moisture. Powered by pure, active glutathione (chemical formula: C10H17N3O6S), this silky cream works right at the skin's surface to neutralize oxidative stress and quiet excess melanin activity [1]. To ensure lasting barrier hydration, NOW pairs glutathione with clinically evaluated Ceramosides® wheat phytoceramides and Aquaxyl® to help replenish the skin's natural moisture shield and improve visible elasticity [2, 3].
Quick Specs Snapshot
- ✓ Active Form & Potency: Biologically active Glutathione, clinically evaluated Ceramosides® plant ceramides, Aquaxyl® moisture complex, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and Sodium Hyaluronate in a concentrated 2 fl. oz. (59 mL) pump bottle.
- ✓ Primary Cellular Target: Epidermal skin cells (keratinocytes), pigment-producing melanocytes, and the skin's intercellular lipid barrier [1, 2].
- ✓ Supply & Value Math: 2 fl. oz. (59 mL) provides approximately 60 to 120 applications (a full 1 to 2 month supply of daily morning and evening care), offering an affordable daily cost with direct VitaNet® savings.
- ✓ Formulation Purity: Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, non-GMO, and crafted without harsh synthetic chemical bleaches or artificial dyes.
Buyer's Guide & Formula Comparison
Why Topical Delivery Matters Compared to Oral Formulas
While taking oral glutathione supplements (such as capsules paired with Milk Thistle and Alpha Lipoic Acid) provides outstanding whole-body antioxidant and liver cleanse support, your digestive system and internal organs use up most of those nutrients before they ever reach your facial skin. Applying glutathione directly in a topical cream delivers this master antioxidant straight to surface skin cells and melanocytes where sun spots, age spots, and uneven pigmentation occur [1]. Unlike budget big box store brightening creams that rely on harsh bleaching agents (like hydroquinone) or cheap synthetic silicones that trap dirt, NOW Solutions combines gentle, unadulterated glutathione with plant ceramides (Ceramosides®) and moisture magnets (Aquaxyl®) to nourish your skin barrier naturally without irritation or toxic residues.
Is This Formula Right for You?
Ideal For Shoppers Who:
- ✓ Want to visibly balance uneven skin tone, fade dark sun spots, and restore a bright, luminous glow without harsh peeling chemicals [1, 2].
- ✓ Experience dry, tight, or moisture-depleted skin that needs lipid barrier repair to prevent water loss throughout the day [3, 4].
- ✓ Seek a clean, silicone-free daily cream that absorbs smoothly under daily makeup and mineral sunscreen without feeling greasy.
Consider Another Option If:
- ✘ You have a diagnosed severe topical contact allergy to wheat extracts or tree nut derivatives (this formula contains purified Ceramosides® wheat seed extract and shea butter).
- ✘ You are seeking internal liver detoxification or metabolic support rather than a topical facial skincare treatment (in that case, an oral Glutathione 500 mg capsule with Milk Thistle & ALA is your ideal match).
- ✘ You have open, weeping blemishes or active broken skin that requires medical dermatological care before starting an active brightening cream.
How It Works: Skin Brightening & Moisture Barrier Pathways
Your facial skin faces daily exposure to sunlight, dry indoor air, and city air pollution. These environmental stressors trigger free radicals that make your skin look dull and cause dark spots to form. NOW Solutions Glutathione Skin Brightener Cream works through five interconnected pathways to renew your skin from the surface down:
1. Direct Antioxidant Defense & Melanin Balance (Topical Glutathione)
Glutathione is your body's master antioxidant. When applied topically, it enters the outer layers of the epidermis where pigment-making cells (melanocytes) live [1]. Sunlight normally activates an enzyme called tyrosinase, which acts like a factory switch to make dark melanin pigment. Glutathione donates electrons to neutralize reactive oxygen species and directly quiets tyrosinase activity, steering pigment production toward lighter, more uniform tones instead of concentrated dark spots [1].
2. Repairing the "Brick and Mortar" Lipid Shield (Ceramosides®)
Think of your outer skin like a brick wall: your skin cells are the bricks, and lipids called ceramides are the mortar holding them together. As we age, our natural ceramide levels drop, leaving microscopic cracks where water leaks out and pollutants get in. Ceramosides® are standardized plant ceramides derived from wheat seed extract that supply pure glucosylceramides and digalactosyl diglycerides [3]. They fill in the cracks between your skin cells, locking in water and restoring skin bounce and elasticity [3].
3. The 3D Moisture Circulation Network (Aquaxyl®)
Unlike ordinary lotions that merely coat the surface, Aquaxyl® is a patented blend of natural plant sugars (xylitylglucoside, anhydroxylitol, and xylitol) that works on a 3D hydration system. It acts like an internal plumbing assistant by boosting aquaporin channels—the microscopic water pipes that move moisture (chemical formula: H2O) between skin cells. Aquaxyl® helps increase your skin's natural moisture reserves, ensuring hydration stays balanced all day long.
4. Blocking Pigment Transfer & Calming Redness (Niacinamide)
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) works as a cellular communicator. Even if pigment cells produce dark melanin, that pigment must travel inside tiny bubbles called melanosomes to reach your surface skin cells. Niacinamide blocks these transport bubbles from delivering their dark pigment packages to the surface [2]. At the same time, it supports cellular energy production (NAD+) to calm redness and refine rough texture [2].
5. Deep Water Plumping & Botanical Defense (Hyaluronic Acid & Pomegranate)
Sodium Hyaluronate acts like a microscopic sponge capable of binding up to 1,000 times its weight in water, instantly plumping fine dry lines and restoring smooth skin texture [4]. Meanwhile, standardized Pomegranate Seed Extract supplies natural ellagic acid and polyphenol antioxidants that protect delicate skin collagen from breakdown caused by daily sunlight and pollution [5].
Daily Application Routine, Timing & Synergy Protocol
Optimal Timing & Layering Order
Always apply NOW Solutions Glutathione Skin Brightener Cream to freshly cleansed, slightly damp skin. If your skincare regimen includes lightweight liquid toners or water-based serums (such as Vitamin C or hyaluronic acid serums), apply those first. Once your lighter serums have absorbed for 30 to 60 seconds, smooth a nickel-sized amount of this cream over your face, neck, and chest. The rich plant lipids will seal the hydrating nutrients into your skin.
Morning vs. Evening Application
For optimal results, apply this cream twice daily:
- ✓ Morning Routine: Apply after washing your face to create an antioxidant barrier against outdoor smog and sun stress. Always follow with a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, since sunlight triggers the very pigment cells you are working to calm.
- ✓ Evening Routine: Apply generously before bed. Your skin enters active cellular repair while you sleep, making nighttime the ideal window for Ceramosides®, Aquaxyl®, and shea butter to restore the lipid barrier undisturbed.
Smart Synergies & Routine Spacing
- ✓ The "Inside-Out" Skin Brightening Duo: This topical cream pairs perfectly with oral Glutathione Skin Brightener with Ceramosides capsules or oral Glutathione 500 mg with Milk Thistle & ALA. Taking oral glutathione supports internal liver cleansing, while this cream delivers direct cellular nourishment to the surface [1, 3].
- ✘ Exfoliating Acid Spacing: If you use strong chemical peels (such as high-strength glycolic or salicylic acids), apply your chemical exfoliant first and wait 10 to 15 minutes before applying this cream. This allows your skin's pH to rebalance so the active ceramides and glutathione absorb comfortably without tingling.
Timeline of What to Expect
Week 1: Immediate relief from skin tightness and dryness. Sodium Hyaluronate, Aquaxyl®, and shea butter deeply hydrate, leaving skin feeling soft, supple, and refreshed [4].
Weeks 3–4: Visible strengthening of your skin barrier. Ceramosides® and Niacinamide help smooth rough texture, reduce redness, and impart a healthy, lit-from-within complexion glow [2, 3].
Months 2–3+: Cumulative brightening benefits. Sustained topical glutathione application helps fade stubborn dark spots, smooth fine dehydration lines, and promote a noticeably more even skin tone [1].
Physical Feel, Scent & Clean Excipients Demystified
Texture & Ease of Application
NOW Solutions Glutathione Skin Brightener Cream has a rich, velvety texture that glides effortlessly across your skin. Rather than using cheap synthetic silicones (like dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane) that leave a plastic-like film, NOW uses a natural, plant-derived succinate copolymer. It absorbs completely within 60 to 90 seconds, leaving behind a soft, satin finish that never pills or balls up under makeup or sunscreen.
Natural Aroma & Color Notes
The cream is naturally white to off-white, free from artificial colorings or chemical whitening pigments. It features a very mild, fresh, clean natural aroma derived from plant sources. Unlike raw glutathione powders which can carry a strong sulfur smell, this advanced cosmetic formulation balances the active ingredients so you enjoy a pleasant, luxurious daily application without heavy perfumes or harsh chemical fragrances.
Other Ingredients Demystified
Every single ingredient in this formula serves a specific, beneficial purpose:
- ✓ Water (Aqua): Purified water base that dissolves water-soluble nutrients and delivers deep hydration to skin cells.
- ✓ Diheptyl Succinate & Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer: A 100% natural, biodegradable plant alternative to synthetic silicones that gives the cream a silky, smooth glide without clogging pores.
- ✓ Glyceryl Stearate SE & Stearic Acid (vegetable source): Plant-based emulsifiers and fatty acids that blend botanical oils with water into a luxurious, stable cream that softens dry skin.
- ✓ Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: A lightweight, nourishing oil derived from coconuts that conditions the skin barrier without feeling heavy or greasy.
- ✓ Cetearyl Alcohol & Cetearyl Glucoside: Gentle plant wax and sugar compounds that prevent moisture loss and keep the cream smooth and creamy.
- ✓ Glycerin: A proven natural humectant that pulls moisture from the air deep into your skin cells.
- ✓ Aquaxyl® (Xylitylglucoside/Anhydroxylitol/Xylitol): A patented plant-sugar complex that boosts the skin's internal water flow and helps produce natural moisturizing factors.
- ✓ Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter: Pure, unrefined tree nut butter rich in fatty acids and vitamins that soothes chapped skin and locks in deep hydration.
- ✓ Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin & Potassium Sorbate: Gentle, paraben-free preservatives that keep the cream completely free from mold, bacteria, and yeast.
- ✓ Niacinamide (Niacin): Active Vitamin B3 that brightens skin tone, calms redness, and supports cellular energy [2].
- ✓ Natural Aroma: A light, non-irritating natural scent blend crafted without synthetic perfumes or phthalates.
- ✓ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) (non-GMO soy): A natural lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects botanical oils from oxidizing and guards skin against free radicals.
- ✓ Maltodextrin & Punica Granatum Seed Extract: Pure pomegranate seed extract rich in ellagic acid that defends collagen and brightens tired skin [5].
- ✓ Xanthan Gum: A natural plant carbohydrate that gives the cream its luxurious, smooth body.
- ✓ Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid): The salt form of hyaluronic acid that holds 1,000 times its weight in water to plump fine expression lines [4].
- ✓ Ceramosides® [Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Seed Extract]: Purified plant phytoceramides that repair the outer lipid barrier and boost skin elasticity [3].
- ✓ Glutathione: Pure master antioxidant (chemical formula: C10H17N3O6S) that defends against environmental oxidants and promotes a radiant complexion [1].
Storage & Bottle Care
Keep the pump bottle tightly capped and store it in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct sunlight and excess bathroom steam. The enclosed pump dispenser prevents air and fingers from entering the container, keeping the delicate antioxidants and plant ceramides fresh and potent down to the very last drop.
NOW Foods Laboratory Testing & Strict Contaminant Standards
Your skin absorbs what you put on it. Unfortunately, discount cosmetic brands and mass-market big box stores frequently source cheap, unrefined bulk ingredients from contract packagers who skip basic quality audits. Independent laboratory sweeps regularly find that budget skincare creams are contaminated with heavy metals, pesticide residues, and rancid oils that trigger breakouts and skin irritation. NOW Solutions sets the industry benchmark for purity through comprehensive testing in its own world-class facilities:
- ✓ ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accredited Laboratories: NOW operates over 40,000 square feet of state-of-the-art analytical testing facilities, where in-house chemists and microbiologists run more than 19,000 individual safety, purity, and potency tests every single month.
- ✓ ICP-MS Heavy Metal Testing (Parts-Per-Billion Precision): Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), every raw botanical and finished cosmetic lot is screened for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury down to parts-per-billion (ppb) limits, strictly satisfying California Proposition 65 and USP standards.
- ✓ Screening for 500+ Pesticides & Agrochemicals: Using Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), raw plant extracts are analyzed to guarantee zero contamination from synthetic agricultural pesticides, herbicides, or chemical solvents.
- ✓ HPLC Molecular Identification & Active Verification: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) verifies that each batch contains genuine, active reduced glutathione and authentic Ceramosides® plant ceramides, ensuring true potency without diluted fillers.
- ✓ Microbiological Pathogen Bio-Screening: Every batch undergoes rigorous microbial culture plating to verify the complete absence of harmful bacteria (including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli), yeast, and mold.
- ✓ Certified cGMP Manufacturing: All manufacturing facilities are independently audited and certified by UL Solutions and maintain an "A-rated" Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) registration from the Natural Products Association (NPA).
Product Specifications & Retailer Verification
Formula Details & Ingredients
| Brand & Line | NOW® Solutions (NOW Foods) |
| Product Name | Glutathione Skin Brightener Cream |
| Item Code & UPC | Item #: N8062 | SKU: 8062 | UPC: 733739080622 |
| Net Quantity | 2 fl. oz. (59 mL) pump dispenser bottle |
| Key Active Nutrients | Glutathione, Ceramosides® (Wheat Seed Extract), Aquaxyl®, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Pomegranate Seed Extract |
| Formulation Standards | Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free, Non-GMO, Silicone-Free, Gluten-Tested, Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients |
Complete INCI Ingredient List: Water (Aqua), Diheptyl Succinate & Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Stearic Acid (vegetable source), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol & Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Aquaxyl® (Xylitylglucoside/Anhydroxylitol/Xylitol), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (tree nut), Phenoxyethanol & Ethylhexylglycerin, Niacinamide (Niacin), Natural Aroma, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) (non-GMO soy), Maltodextrin & Punica Granatum Seed Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Ceramosides® [Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Seed Extract], Glutathione.
Trademark Notices: Aquaxyl® is a registered trademark of Seppic SA. Ceramosides® is a registered trademark of EPI France and is used under license from Seppic, Inc.
Directions: After cleansing, apply to face, neck, and chest, paying close attention to any problem areas. For best results, use both morning and evening.
Caution: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place after opening.
