Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Navratri Glow Drips Promise Radiance, But Doctors Warn of Risks
Some people are getting vitamin and antioxidant drips before Navratri because they hope to look brighter and more refreshed.
Some drips contain glutathione, a substance the body naturally makes.
Doctors say there is not enough evidence that these drips give lasting skin-lightening results.
The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved glutathione for that cosmetic use.
An IV treatment can also cause serious problems, including allergic reactions and kidney injury.
One doctor described a woman who needed hospital care after several sessions.
Experts say such treatments should only be considered with proper medical checks and supervision.
Sleep, water, healthy food and sun protection are safer basics for skin health.
Some Ahmedabad revellers are seeking IV antioxidant drips ahead of Navratri, marketed for brighter, hydrated-looking skin.
Glutathione is promoted for skin lightening, but evidence that IV treatment produces lasting cosmetic benefits is limited.
The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved glutathione for cosmetic skin lightening, and long-term safety data are lacking.
Doctors warn of risks including severe allergic reactions and kidney injury; one reported patient required hospitalisation after eight sessions.
Doctors advise clinical assessment and medical supervision, while noting that sleep, hydration, nutrition and sun protection support skin health.
- Who
- Ahmedabad revellers considering IV glow drips, and doctors warning about their risks.
- What
- A report examines cosmetic IV antioxidant and glutathione drips, their uncertain benefits and potential harms.
- When
- Ahead of Navratri.
- Where
- Ahmedabad, with doctors cited from New Delhi, Navi Mumbai and Mumbai.
- Why
- The drips are marketed for brighter skin and a quick festive glow, while evidence for lasting cosmetic benefits is limited.
Promoted benefits
Medical concerns
Cosmetic results
Promoted benefits
The drips are marketed as a quick way to achieve brighter, hydrated-looking skin and a festive glow.
Medical concerns
Doctors say evidence for lasting skin lightening is limited; any improvement may be modest and fade after treatment stops.
Use of glutathione
Promoted benefits
Supporters of IV use believe concentrated doses delivered directly into the bloodstream may produce faster or more noticeable skin benefits.
Medical concerns
The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved glutathione for cosmetic skin lightening, and long-term safety data for that use are lacking.
Treatment setting
Promoted benefits
IV glow drips are being offered as a beauty service in settings such as salons and glow bars.
Medical concerns
Doctors say IV procedures require clinical assessment, a suitable medical environment and the ability to respond immediately to emergencies.
- Treatments discussed
- IV antioxidant infusions, including formulations containing glutathione
- Cosmetic evidence
- Limited; any pigmentation improvement may be modest and may fade after treatment stops
- US approval
- The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved glutathione for cosmetic skin lightening
- Potential risks
- Severe allergic reactions, dangerous drops in blood pressure and acute kidney injury
- Reported patient case
- A 28-year-old woman developed kidney injury after eight glutathione sessions at a Bandra salon
- Supplement regulation in India
- FSSAI regulates health supplements and nutraceuticals, but legal sale does not prove cosmetic effectiveness
- Doctors' advice
- Seek medical assessment and supervision; ask about ingredients, evidence, intended-use approval and emergency care