The molecule is a tripeptide compound consisting of glutamic acid attached via its side chain to the N-terminus of cysteinylglycine. It has a role as a skin lightening agent, a human metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a mouse metabolite, an antioxidant and a cofactor. It is a tripeptide, a thiol and a L-cysteine derivative. It is a conjugate acid of a glutathionate(1-).
(2S)-2-amino-5-[[(2R)-1-(carboxymethylamino)-1-oxo-3-sulfanylpropan-2-yl]amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid