🔍 Key Summary
- Glutathione and kojic acid are not the same and work in completely different ways.
- Glutathione works internally as an antioxidant that supports melanin balance.
- Kojic acid works externally by inhibiting melanin production on the skin surface.
- Glutathione supports overall glow from within.
- Kojic acid targets localized pigmentation or dark spots.
- They are not competitors, they operate on different layers of skin health.
- Glutathione works inside your body. Kojic acid works on your skin surface.
- Both affect melanin, but in very different ways.
What Is Glutathione?
Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in every cell of the body.
It is often called the “master antioxidant” because it:
•
neutralizes free radicals
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reduces oxidative stress
•
supports liver detox pathways
•
influences melanin regulation
•
supports cellular repair
Glutathione does not bleach skin.
Instead, it supports melanin balance from the inside by shifting melanin production pathways under certain conditions, while also calming oxidative stress that triggers pigmentation.
Glow from within happens when internal stress is reduced.
What Is Kojic Acid?
Kojic acid is a topical ingredient derived from certain fungi.
It works by:
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inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase
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reducing melanin formation in treated areas
•
helping lighten hyperpigmented spots
It does not affect:
•
internal antioxidant balance
•
liver detox pathways
•
overall systemic melanin regulation
It is a targeted external solution, not an internal support system.
The Core Difference: Internal vs. External
Here’s the simplest way to understand it:
| Function | Glutathione | Kojic Acid |
| Works where? | Inside the body | On the skin surface |
| Main role | Antioxidant + melanin balance | Tyrosinase inhibition |
| Affects whole body? | Yes | No |
| Targets specific spots? | Not directly | Yes |
| Supports glow systemically? | Yes | No |
They are solving different problems.
How Glutathione Affects Melanin
Melanin production increases when:
•
UV exposure rises
•
inflammation increases
•
oxidative stress rises
•
hormonal imbalance occurs
Glutathione helps by:
•
reducing oxidative stress
•
supporting melanin pathway modulation
•
calming inflammatory triggers
This means glutathione works on the environment that causes pigmentation, not just the pigment itself.
That’s why results are gradual and systemic.
How Kojic Acid Affects Melanin
Kojic acid works differently.
It blocks tyrosinase, the enzyme required to produce melanin.
When applied consistently:
•
dark spots may fade
•
hyperpigmented areas may lighten
•
uneven tone may improve
However, if irritation occurs:
•
inflammation may increase
•
rebound pigmentation may happen
•
sensitivity may rise
Topical ingredients require careful skin barrier management.
Can You Use Both Together?
Yes.
In fact, many routines combine:
•
internal antioxidant support (glutathione)
•
external pigment inhibitors (kojic acid)
•
daily sunscreen
This layered approach can support more stable results when done properly.
But remember:
Internal support without sun protection will stall results.
Topical treatment without internal balance may cause irritation cycles.
Balance is everything.
When Glutathione Makes More Sense
Glutathione may be more helpful if you:
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experience overall dullness
•
struggle with stress-related pigmentation
•
have hormonal pigmentation
•
want full-body glow support
•
need antioxidant defense
It works on the system.
When Kojic Acid Makes More Sense
Kojic acid may be helpful if you:
•
have localized dark spots
•
want targeted treatment
•
need short-term correction
It works on the surface.
Risks and Considerations
Glutathione (oral):
•
must be taken consistently
•
should be from certified sources (FDA registered, GMP, ISO, Halal compliant)
•
works gradually
•
not a quick whitening shortcut
Kojic acid (topical):
•
can cause irritation
•
may increase sun sensitivity
•
requires strict sunscreen use
•
not ideal for damaged skin barriers
One is internal regulation.
One is external inhibition.
Where Ishin Premium Fits In
Ishin Premium is designed to support:
•
glutathione balance
•
antioxidant protection
•
melanin regulation
•
glow-from-within support
It also contains collagen and oral sun support components to complement internal balance.
This makes it a systemic glow support product not a spot treatment.
Kojic acid products, on the other hand, are typically used for targeted concerns.
📘 What Science and Research Say About Scientific Foundation of Glutathione and Kojic Acid
| Study / Source | Key Findings | Reference |
| Weschawalit et al., 2017 | Oral glutathione supplementation showed improvements in skin tone parameters | Witoo Dilokthornsakul et. al., 2019 |
| Sarkar et al., 2020 | Antioxidants influence pigmentation pathways | Juanjuan Chen et. al., 2021 |
| Cabanes et al., 1994 | Kojic acid inhibits tyrosinase activity | Te Shang Chang, 2009 |
| Brenner & Hearing, 2008 | Melanin production responds to oxidative stress levels | L Denat et. al., 2014 |
Simplified takeaway:
Glutathione modulates oxidative stress and pigment pathways internally. Kojic acid inhibits melanin formation externally.
Different mechanisms. Different layers.
💼 The CEO Perspective
Glow is not about choosing one ingredient and expecting magic.
It’s about understanding roles.
Glutathione supports balance.
Kojic acid targets pigment.
When you understand the mechanism, you stop chasing trends and start building strategy.
— Shirleen Bautista, CEO of Ishin Beauty
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Is glutathione stronger than kojic acid?
They are not comparable. They work differently.
Can kojic acid replace glutathione?
No. Kojic acid does not support internal antioxidant balance.
Can I skip sunscreen if I use glutathione?
No. UV exposure can override both internal and external support.
Which works faster?
Topicals may show localized changes faster. Internal support builds more stable long-term glow.
⭐ Key Takeaway
Glutathione and kojic acid are not competitors.
Glutathione works inside the body to regulate oxidative stress and melanin balance.
Kojic acid works on the skin surface to inhibit melanin production.
Healthy glow comes from understanding layers, not replacing one with the other.
🌸 Final Thoughts
Glow is not about bleaching.
It’s about balance.
Support your body.
Protect your skin.
Stay consistent.
That’s how real glow lasts.
✨ Find Out What’s More About Our Product
Ishin Premium Glutathione Plus | Triple Glutathione Blend 700mg
₱532 – ₱649
Ishin Beauty offers Japan-formulated glutathione supported by GMP, ISO, Halal, and FDA registration — created for Filipinas who want safe, steady, glow-from-within results built on science, not shortcuts.
Ishin Official Stores
Experience glow that’s supported by science, shaped by wellness, and trusted by thousands of Filipinas. Step into balanced, everyday radiance with Ishin Premium, Japan-formulated Triple Glutathione with Oral Sun Defense.
💬 Feedback from Real Ishin Users
Here are some of the real glow stories shared by Ishin customers:
⭐Sa lahat ng whitening Soap na nagamit ko kay Ishin lg sko nahiyang like hindi nako ng kaka pimples tsaka nawawala na din mga acne marks ko. I’m exited to use their Ishin Premium Glutathione plus also
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Aaena Nasalun
⭐Highly recommend tlga tong ishin premium glutathione capsule nagustuhan din Ng kapated ko Ayun kinuha nya at super effective tlga sia ksi makikita mo na Ang results nya subrang gnda sa ating katawan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Analou Igdanes
⭐sobrang ganda nitong ishin 10/10mapapansin mo talaga yung glow ng skin mo lalo na pag bagong gising ka hindi kopa nauubos yung 1bottle pero nakikitaan kona agad ng effect
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Rena Lyn
These testimonials reflect individual customer experiences.
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