India has earned global respect as the pharmacy of the world. Its pharmaceutical industry supplies affordable, high-quality medicines to millions across continents. It’s a symbol of the nation’s scientific capability.
Having visited world-class facilities such as the Tirupati Group’s manufacturing unit in Paonta Sahib and the Forest Essentials plant near Rishikesh, I have personally witnessed India’s ability to uphold international standards when science, ethics, and strict quality control converge.
Aesthetic and cosmetic medicine is expanding at an extraordinary pace in India—from advanced dermatology clinics and anti-ageing therapies to injectables, lasers, regenerative medicine, and cutting-edge skin treatments. Rising consumer awareness, technological progress, and greater acceptance of cosmetic procedures have created a booming sector with immense economic and medical potential.
India has every capability to become a global leader in aesthetic medicine. But unregulated growth is proving dangerous.
A recent advisory by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has clarified that cosmetic products supplied in injectable form do not fall under the definition of cosmetics and are not permitted for use by consumers, professionals, or aesthetic clinics. The National Medical Commission guidelines also state that cosmetic and aesthetic procedures should be performed only by qualified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and trained aesthetic physicians.
However, enforcement remains inconsistent. In Delhi, invasive procedures continue in non-medical settings, putting patients at risk of severe allergic reactions, infections such as HIV and hepatitis, organ complications, and scarring.
The case of IV glutathione
As a dermatologist who has been practising for over 15 years, it is deeply concerning to witness how quackery repeatedly forces regulators to impose blanket restrictions on legitimate therapies. Over the years, botched hair transplant procedures have caused several deaths and complications. But what is rarely underlined is that these tragedies are almost invariably caused by unqualified quacks operating outside medical standards—not by trained dermatologists and plastic surgeons following the protocol.
The same pattern is now repeating with glutathione, a tripeptide antioxidant that aids in cellular detoxification. Media reports often highlight risks of intravenous (IV) glutathione treatment, yet oral and topical forms of glutathione show limited results for significant skin brightening or pigmentation management.
On the other hand, IV glutathione is a powerful, naturally occurring antioxidant with established medical applications. In oncology, high-dose IV glutathione is administered to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. Typical protocols include 1,500 mg/m² IV given immediately before platinum-based chemotherapy. It helps mitigate nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and oxidative damage, allowing better tolerance of the cancer treatment while supporting detoxification and cell repair.
Importantly, glutathione injections aren’t officially approved for cosmetic skin brightening anywhere in the world. It should not be promoted or sold for these indications. The molecule’s true strength lies in its ability to combat oxidative stress—a major concern in India due to severe air pollution, especially in cities such as Delhi.
For millions of dark-skinned individuals grappling with societal complexes, IV glutathione—administered under strict medical supervision in appropriate doses—holds promise as a safer future treatment for pigmentation management and protection against pollution-induced oxidative damage.
The current regulatory concerns in India arise not from the molecule itself, but from rampant quackery. Unqualified practitioners, beauty salons, and spas administer counterfeit or substandard IV drips using products sourced illegally—often without cold chain, proper storage, or medical evaluation. Young adults access these injections online via unregulated portals, then demand doctors administer them at minimal fees.
The new rules are a welcome step. However, one must ask: why was the previous framework for monitoring multinational companies (MNCs) and imports not implemented effectively?
Interestingly, while the CDSCO advisory specifically mentions injectable glutathione, many other IV agents such as NAD+, Vitamin C, collagen peptides, acetylcysteine, multivitamin drips, and various “skin glow” cocktails continue to be widely used without clear regulatory oversight.
The issue is therefore much larger than glutathione alone. There is an urgent need for comprehensive government guidelines covering all injectable aesthetic and wellness therapies, along with stricter monitoring of unsafe practices.
Strong enforcement against quackery and unauthorised IV infusion centres is essential to truly control this growing menace and safeguard patient safety.
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Regulating cosmetic medicine
India stands at a critical crossroads. We can allow aesthetic medicine to become an unregulated Wild West driven by social media gimmicks and shortcuts, or we can build a globally respected, science-driven cosmetic healthcare ecosystem.
I urge the government to act decisively with the following measures:
- Strict nationwide enforcement against fake doctors, quacks, and unlicensed aesthetic practitioners, with heavy penalties and swift prosecution
- Tiered regulation of cosmetic injectables—distinguishing between medical uses and cosmetic applications
- Comprehensive crackdown on counterfeit products, illegal imports, and online sales of injectables without licences
- Mandatory licensing, accreditation, and periodic audits for all aesthetic clinics and procedural centres
- Strengthened implementation of existing MNC and import monitoring rules, alongside GST compliance in the cosmetic sector
- Active encouragement of indigenous research, clinical trials, and innovation in aesthetic science
As a country of 1.4 billion people with unmatched clinical diversity, India should be leading global research. Yet, instead of capitalising on demographic and biological advantage to produce safe, world-class therapies, Indians are watching essential molecules face restrictions due to counterfeits and quackery that have infiltrated the system.
A properly regulated aesthetic industry will create lakhs of skilled jobs, boost medical tourism, drive innovation, and position India as the preferred destination for safe, advanced dermatological and cosmetic care.
Indian patients deserve access to safe, scientifically supervised treatments. They should not be victims of underground experimentation.
India transformed global healthcare through affordable pharmaceuticals. We now have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to set new global benchmarks in ethical, evidence-based cosmetic medicine. The time to act is now.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a Consultant Dermatologist, Max Hospital, Saket. She is also an anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)