L-Glutathione oxidized disodium salt (GSSG) is the oxidized dimer of glutathione, primarily utilized in biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications. It acts as an oxidizing agent in cell culture media and biopharmaceutical manufacturing to promote disulfide bond formation, ensuring proper protein folding, structure, and stability for recombinant proteins such as monoclonal antibodies.

Unlike the reduced form (GSH), GSSG is not a direct antioxidant but is essential for maintaining cellular redox homeostasis by participating in the glutathione redox cycle. It supports research on oxidative stress, redox signaling, and detoxification pathways, indirectly aiding liver function and toxin metabolism through the overall glutathione system.

Its high water solubility and biocompatibility make it suitable for injectable formulations and in vitro studies. While less common in cosmetics than GSH, GSSG may be included in specialized anti-aging or skin health products to balance redox states, though it does not directly inhibit melanin production.

This specialty chemical is a niche intermediate in biochemical processes, not a general commodity.