Glutathione IV and Cinderella IV are both beauty drips offered in Korea, but they contain different main ingredients. Glutathione IV centers on glutathione, an antioxidant often chosen for brightening. Cinderella IV is based on thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid), an antioxidant often chosen for fatigue and skin vitality. At Re:berry Hongdae, a doctor checks suitability first.
Re:berry Clinic Hongdae · Information reviewed for accuracy · Results vary by individual.
What is glutathione IV?
Glutathione is an antioxidant made naturally in the body from three amino acids. In aesthetic clinics, intravenous glutathione is commonly chosen by people hoping for brighter, more even-looking skin, because glutathione is involved in pathways that influence melanin production. It is often called a "whitening" or "brightening" drip in Korea. Scientific evidence for skin lightening from IV glutathione is limited and mixed, and results vary by individual.
What is Cinderella IV?
Cinderella IV is a popular Korean name for a drip based on thioctic acid, also known as alpha-lipoic acid. Thioctic acid is an antioxidant that plays a role in energy metabolism. People often choose it for tiredness, a refreshed feeling or general skin vitality, and some combine it with vitamins. As with glutathione, research on cosmetic benefits is limited.
Key differences at a glance
- Main ingredient: Glutathione vs thioctic acid.
- Common reason chosen: Brightening and tone vs fatigue and vitality.
- Combinations: Either may be combined with vitamin C or other vitamins, depending on the clinic's protocol.
- Who should be careful: Glutathione may not suit people with certain allergies or asthma; thioctic acid may affect blood sugar in people with diabetes. A doctor should screen you first.
Read more on the beauty IV drips page.
How does a doctor decide which drip suits you?
The doctor typically asks about your goals, energy levels, medical conditions, current medications and any previous reactions to IV treatment. Your goal matters: someone focused on tone may lean toward a glutathione-based formula, while someone feeling run-down during a busy trip might be offered a thioctic acid or vitamin-based option. In some cases, the honest advice is that a drip is not needed at all.
Safety and realistic expectations
IV drips are medical procedures. Possible side effects include discomfort or bruising at the needle site, dizziness, nausea and, rarely, allergic reactions. They are generally avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. IV drips should not replace sun protection or proven treatments for pigment, such as pico toning or laser toning. Many people view them as a supportive addition to a skin plan. Pricing depends on the formula and is confirmed at consultation.
At a glance
- Glutathione IV: Main ingredient glutathione, an antioxidant
- Cinderella IV: Main ingredient thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid)
- Drip time: Typically 20 to 40 minutes
- Evidence: Limited for cosmetic outcomes; effects vary
- Safety: Requires medical screening and supervision
Related questions
Can I have glutathione and Cinderella IV together?
Some clinics offer combined formulas or schedule them on different days. Whether combining is appropriate depends on your health, medications and goals. A doctor should review your medical history first, and you should mention conditions such as diabetes, asthma or kidney problems before any IV treatment.
Does glutathione IV really lighten skin?
Evidence for skin lightening from intravenous glutathione is limited and inconsistent, and any effect tends to be modest and temporary. It does not replace sunscreen or medical pigment treatments. If brightening is your main goal, a doctor may suggest combining approaches such as laser toning, topical care and sun protection.
How often do people get beauty IV drips?
Schedules vary widely, from occasional single drips to weekly or fortnightly courses. More frequent drips do not necessarily mean better results. The doctor will suggest a frequency that is safe for you, taking into account your health and any other treatments you are having.
Keep reading
Before you book
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Suitability, dose, number of sessions and expected results are decided by a doctor at consultation, and results vary by individual. Possible side effects include redness, swelling and bruising. Pricing is confirmed in writing before any treatment. See our medical disclaimer.
Still have a question?
A doctor at Re:berry Clinic Hongdae can answer it for your skin specifically. Multilingual consultation support is available.