Preparation and Evaluation of Glutathione Semisolid Formulation as a Candidate for Anti-wrinkle and Skin-Lightening

Introduction: In recent years, there has been a growth in the demand for skincare services and products. In this study, a topical formulation composed of glutathione loaded into niosomes was developed, and its physical, chemical, and microbial characteristics were evaluated.Methods: Span 60 was used to prepare niosomes, and glutathione was added to the formulation using the incorporation method. Drug assays were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The physicochemical characteristics of the prepared niosomes and their drug-release properties were investigated. Carbomer and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose were used to form gels, and stability tests were performed.Results: HPLC demonstrated a linear relationship in the concentration range of 10-100 µg/mL. Morphological studies showed that niosomes had spherical structures. The majority of the medication was released through polymer degradation, and a small amount was released through the diffusion mechanism. Rheological analysis revealed that the fabricated gels had thixotropic and pseudoplastic properties. None of the samples showed changes in color or odor during this period. The formulation underwent microbiological analysis, and no specific microorganisms were found.Conclusion: The developed formulation exhibited acceptable properties in vitro. Therefore, further in vivo research should be conducted to determine the efficacy of the formulation.