Ever wondered why one drink leaves you red-faced while your friends stay picture-perfect? The culprit is acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product of alcohol. And the hero ingredient that helps your body deal with it faster? Glutathione — the master antioxidant.

At iBlush, we built our formulas around glutathione because science shows it helps reduce the uncomfortable effects of alcohol, from redness (a.k.a. Asian Glow) to headaches and next-day fog.

What Is Glutathione?

Glutathione is often called your body’s “master antioxidant.” It’s a natural tripeptide made from three amino acids (glutamine, glycine, cysteine). Your cells use it to:

• Neutralise toxins
• Support liver detoxification
• Reduce oxidative stress

In short: it’s one of your body’s most important defence tools when alcohol starts breaking down.

Alcohol → Acetaldehyde: The Real Villain

Here’s the behind-the-scenes play:

1. You drink → alcohol turns into acetaldehyde (toxic).
2. Normally, enzymes + antioxidants (like glutathione) clear acetaldehyde fast.
3. If you’re low in glutathione (or have an ALDH2 enzyme deficiency), acetaldehyde hangs around.

That’s when the redness, racing heart, nausea, headaches, and hangovers kick in.

The Link Between Glutathione and Asian Glow

Studies show that glutathione plays a direct role in clearing acetaldehyde — the main trigger of alcohol flush reaction (a.k.a. Asian Glow).

• Research has demonstrated that people with reduced ALDH2 enzyme activity have a harder time clearing acetaldehyde, but glutathione supplementation supports detox pathways and can lower symptoms.
• Clinical data also suggests glutathione may reduce alcohol-induced oxidative stress in the liver, improving comfort and recovery after drinking.
• Animal studies confirm that higher glutathione levels speed up acetaldehyde clearance, reducing both facial redness and hangover symptoms.

💡 While ALDH2 deficiency itself can’t be “cured,” supporting your body with glutathione helps it cope better with alcohol’s side effects.

Beyond Redness: Other Benefits of Glutathione in Drinking

Glutathione doesn’t just tackle flush — it’s a multitasker:

• Hangover reduction: Supports your liver’s natural detox processes.
• Less itchiness: Reduces histamine reactivity (often why wine causes stuffy noses or flushed cheeks).
• Better sleep: Helps reduce oxidative stress, which disrupts normal sleep after drinking.
• Headache relief: By neutralising acetaldehyde, it helps calm alcohol-induced headaches.
• Overall wellness: Boosts immunity, skin health, and resilience — even on nights you’re not drinking.

Why Glutathione Is iBlush’s Hero Ingredient

When we designed iBlush, glutathione was a no-brainer. It’s backed by science, proven in studies, and fits perfectly with our mission: helping you drink smarter, not harder.

Every dose of iBlush is formulated to:

• Reduce alcohol flush (so you don’t go tomato-red after one drink).
• Support your liver in clearing toxins faster.
• Keep you balanced so you can enjoy social moments confidently and comfortably.

👉 Shop iBlush Alcohol Flush Remedies

P.S. We did the research so you don't have to:

1. News-Medical. Glutathione Found to Significantly Reduce Acetaldehyde Levels and Help Relieve Hangovers. Published September 29, 2024.
2. Oh, S.Y., Han, H.W., et al. Protective Effect of Glutathione on Alcohol-Induced Liver Damage and Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023; 12(10): 1943. PMID: 10604027.
3. Yamada, T., Kimura, Y., et al. Oral Glutathione Supplementation Improves Acetaldehyde Detoxification and Alleviates Hangover Symptoms in Humans. Nutrients. 2024; 16(19): 3262.