The tragic death of actor and model Shefali Jariwala has reignited concerns over the booming beauty supplement industry in India, especially surrounding the unregulated use of glutathione injections and anti-ageing medications. While the exact cause of her death is yet to be officially confirmed, reports suggest that Shefali suffered a sudden cardiac arrest shortly after taking anti-ageing pills and a glutathione injection, raising critical questions about the safety of such treatments.
Shefali, best remembered for her role in the iconic music video Kaanta Laga, had reportedly observed a day-long fast for a Satyanarayan puja on June 27. Later that day, she is believed to have taken her routine anti-ageing medication and a glutathione vial. She collapsed shortly after and could not be revived.
Mumbai Police, during their search of her Andheri apartment, reportedly found various beauty and anti-ageing supplements, including skin glow tablets. The incident has cast a harsh spotlight on the use of injectable aesthetic treatments—an industry that, globally, is valued at over $5 billion and expected to cross $7 billion by 2030. In India, the market for such treatments is growing rapidly, especially among younger demographics influenced by social media trends and the pursuit of flawless skin.
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Doctors warn that these injectables—marketed aggressively as shortcuts to glowing skin and youthful appearance—come with risks that are often not well understood by the public. Dr. Shifa Yadav, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist at Artemis Hospitals, explains, “People are increasingly using injectables like glutathione, peptides, and hormone-based therapies for skin lightening and anti-ageing. However, many of these substances, especially in injectable form, are not FDA-approved for cosmetic purposes.”
Dr. Ajay Rana, Aesthetic Physician and Founder of ILAMED, notes a 70–80% rise in interest over the last decade. “We’re seeing younger people—from their late 20s onwards—opt for glutathione and peptide-based injectables in the name of preventive aging. But there’s a lack of clinical trials to back up long-term safety.”
Experts warn that treatments such as glutathione, often used off-label for skin whitening, can interfere with the body’s natural oxidative processes. Dr. Rana notes that, while some short-term studies suggest limited side effects, there is no substantial long-term data on how these injectables impact cardiovascular health. “Side effects may include allergic reactions, liver toxicity, abdominal cramps, and even cardiac irregularities if misused,” he said.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh, Head of Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery at Artemis Hospitals, added another serious concern—polypharmacy. “Taking multiple medications or injectables together without proper supervision can disrupt heart rhythms and cause sudden fluctuations in blood pressure. Even in patients with no pre-existing heart conditions, this can lead to life-threatening events like cardiac arrest.”
In Shefali’s case, the potential combination of fasting, uncoordinated medication intake, and injectable beauty treatments could have triggered a cascade of complications. However, medical experts caution against drawing conclusions without an autopsy or toxicology report.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with unregulated beauty practices and the pressure to meet unrealistic standards promoted by digital media. While the desire for youthful appearance is understandable, doctors urge individuals to seek proper medical guidance and be aware of the long-term implications of aesthetic treatments.
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