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Quick answer
Why use glutathione at night? Your skin does a lot of its repair overnight, and there's no sunlight to break down ingredients like glutathione and vitamin C. After washing your face, apply a pea-sized amount of glutathione night cream. Then wear sunscreen the next morning, because that's what helps the cream do its job.
In India, a night cream is one of the most common ways people use glutathione. It's easy, it's gentle, and it slips into whatever routine you already have. Below we cover what a good one contains, how to use it, and what you can realistically expect.
Why use it at night?
Skin works on a daily cycle. In the daytime it's busy dealing with UV light and pollution. At night, cell repair and renewal speed up. Skin also loses more water while you sleep, which is why a richer cream feels so good at bedtime.
Some brightening ingredients, such as vitamin C and kojic acid, don't hold up well in light and air. If you use them at night and wear sunscreen in the morning, they get a fair chance to work.
What should you look for in a glutathione night cream?
- Glutathione should be clearly named in the ingredient list.
- It helps to have other brighteners with it, such as vitamin C, kojic acid, arbutin or niacinamide. Each one works in a slightly different way.
- If your skin is dry, look for nourishing oils or butters that keep it moisturised overnight.
- Check the pack for a full ingredient list, the name of the manufacturer or importer, a batch number and an expiry date.
What to stay away from
- “Fairness” creams sold loose or without proper labels.
- Creams that contain steroids (clobetasol or betamethasone, for example) or mercury. Used over a long time, these can badly damage your skin. Steroid creams should only ever be used if a doctor prescribes them, if at all.
- Promises like “fair in 7 days” or “permanent whitening”. Our guide to red flags when buying glutathione products explains what else to watch for.
How to use it, step by step
- Wash your face with a gentle face wash to clear off the day's sunscreen, makeup and pollution.
- Pat it dry. Don't scrub with a rough towel.
- Take a pea-sized amount and dot it on your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin and neck.
- Massage it upwards in small, gentle circles until it soaks in.
- Keep it away from the skin right around your eyes and lips.
- The next morning, put on sunscreen (SPF 30+). Of all the steps, this one makes the biggest difference.
With sensitive skin, start at 3 nights a week and slowly work up to every night. Wondering whether daily use is fine? We cover that in can you use glutathione every day?
What you might notice, and when
| Time | What you may notice |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Skin feels softer and more hydrated in the morning |
| Weeks 3 to 4 | A fresher look, less dull |
| Weeks 8 to 12 | Tone looks more even and dark spots look lighter, if the cream suits your skin |
Everyone's skin responds differently. For more detail, read how long glutathione takes to work.
Who should be careful
- If your skin is very oily or prone to acne, a rich cream can clog pores. Use only a thin layer.
- If your skin is sensitive, always do a patch test and wait 24 to 48 hours first.
- If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before you start.
- We don't recommend skin-brightening products for anyone under 18.
About Glutanex Glutathione Night Cream
Glutanex is our own brand, and we'd rather tell you that up front. It's a 30 g night cream that combines glutathione with vitamin C, kojic acid and arbutin. It also has nourishing ingredients drawn from traditional Indian skincare. These include jojoba and avocado oils, turmeric, sandalwood oil, saffron, neem, mulberry and green tea extracts, calendula, and beeswax with honey. The Glutanex night cream guide goes through everything in it. Whichever cream you pick, the checklist above is what matters most.
Common questions
Can I use a glutathione night cream during the day?
You can, but night is the better time. If you do wear it in the day, put sunscreen on over it.
Can I use it with a serum?
Yes. Put the thinner serum on first and give it a minute, then apply the cream. There's more on this in glutathione serum vs cream.
How long does a 30 g jar last?
If you use a pea-sized amount on your face each night, it usually lasts around 1 to 2 months. It runs out sooner if you also use it on your neck and hands.
You might also find these useful: glutathione cream ingredients explained, the best time to use glutathione and Korean glutathione cream.
From the makers of this guide
Glutanex Glutathione Night Cream
A nightly brightening cream that pairs glutathione with vitamin C, kojic acid and arbutin, nourished with avocado, jojoba, turmeric, sandalwood and saffron. 30 g.
Follow @glutanexofficial on Instagram
Disclosure: Glutanex is our own brand. Individual results vary.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Patch test any new product, and see a dermatologist if you have a skin concern.
This article is for general information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or dermatologist before starting any supplement or treatment. Disclaimer · Disclosure
