Skin Wellness Infusion

The Skin Wellness Infusion at Integra Essenza is a physician-formulated intravenous antioxidant and hydration infusion containing vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, amino acids and minerals. Integra Essenza does not offer or market skin lightening or whitening infusions. FDA Philippines has stated that no injectable product is approved for skin lightening. Assessment required.

What this is

Starting with the thing you probably came here to find out.

Glutathione is widely marketed across this country as a whitening infusion. FDA Philippines Advisory 2019-182 states that no injectable product is approved for skin lightening, and that injectable glutathione is approved here only as an adjunct in cisplatin chemotherapy. The advisory names IV drips at wellness clinics and beauty salons as the practice it’s addressing. DOH restated the position in February 2024.

We follow what the advisory says, so we don’t offer or describe a lightening effect, in any wording. If skin lightening is what you’re looking for, this isn’t the right clinic for you and we’d rather say so early than be vague about it.

What we do offer is a physician-formulated antioxidant and hydration infusion containing vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, amino acids and minerals, given in-clinic over about 45 to 60 minutes, formulated for skin wellness and hydration. It’s one we can stand behind.

The other thing worth knowing: dry, dull or irritated skin is sometimes a nutritional or hydration issue and sometimes something else. A physician here looks at your labs first, and if what’s needed is a dermatologist, you’ll be referred rather than sold a session.

What the session involves

1. Assessment. Consultation, current labs, medication and supplement list, and a conversation about what you’ve noticed and for how long.

2. A decision. Whether an infusion is appropriate, whether a dermatology referral makes more sense, or both.

3. The session. 45 to 60 minutes in-clinic, physician-supervised, with monitoring.

4. Written findings. What was reviewed and what was decided.

Who we’d typically consider this for

• Adults whose assessment identifies a hydration or micronutrient element relevant to skin wellness.
• People who’ve been having infusions elsewhere without a physician assessment.
• Patients who want antioxidant and hydration support and are comfortable with a clinic that doesn’t promise a complexion outcome.
• Adults who’ve read the FDA advisory and want a clinic that works within it.

Who this isn’t for

• You want a whitening or lightening infusion, which we don’t offer at any price.
• You have an active skin condition that hasn’t been assessed by a dermatologist.
• You have a kidney concern or a history of oxalate stones, where ascorbate dosing matters. You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You want a fixed course booked and paid before a physician has seen you.
• You’re under 18.

What’s in it

Risks and what to expect

FDA Philippines Advisory 2019-182 lists effects reported with injectable glutathione used for lightening, including effects on the liver, kidneys and nervous system, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. It also notes infection risk where administration happens outside a clinical setting. Those risks are one of the reasons we work within the advisory and administer only in-clinic under physician supervision.

For this formulation more generally: cannula-site irritation, occasional light-headedness, and uncommon allergic reactions. Ascorbate at dose is a consideration in anyone with a kidney concern or a stone history, which the assessment covers.

We don’t publish before-and-after images, we don’t collect them, and we won’t ask you for one.

Session detail

Starts at ₱3,000 per session, 45 to 60 minutes plus monitoring. Includes physician supervision, preparation, administration and monitoring. Assessment and labs separate.

Where the evidence stands

Hydration status and certain micronutrients do affect skin, which isn’t controversial. What isn’t established is that an intravenous infusion produces a visible or lasting change in skin appearance in a well-nourished adult.

On glutathione and skin lightening specifically, FDA Philippines has stated there are no published clinical trials evaluating injectable glutathione for that use, and no published guidance on dosing or duration.

Click here if you’re arranging this for someone else

Questions people ask

Can I have this for skin lightening?

• No. We don’t offer whitening or lightening infusions. FDA Philippines has stated that no injectable product is approved for skin lightening, and we work within that.

Is a gluta drip safe?

• FDA Philippines Advisory 2019-182 raises effects on the liver, kidneys and nervous system, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and infection risk where administration happens outside a clinical setting. It’s the reason we don’t offer glutathione infusion for lightening.

Is glutathione FDA approved in the Philippines?

• Injectable glutathione is approved here as an adjunct in cisplatin chemotherapy. No injectable product is approved for skin lightening.

Does this contain glutathione?

• Composition is set per patient by the physician at assessment, and they’ll tell you exactly what’s in your infusion. What we don’t do is offer any infusion for a lightening effect.

Will my skin look different?

• We’re not able to promise that and we won’t imply it.

Do you take before-and-after photos?

• No.

What if I have a skin condition?

• Then a dermatologist is the right place. Book the assessment if you’d like a physician’s view on where to start.

Is this covered by HMO?

• Usually not.