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Everything you need to know about molecular hydrogen water, what the research says, how it compares to alkaline water, and where to buy it in South Africa.
Hydrogen water is drinking water that contains dissolved molecular hydrogen (H2) gas. Molecular hydrogen is the smallest and lightest molecule in existence, consisting of just two hydrogen atoms bonded together.
Regular water is H2O. Hydrogen water is H2O with additional H2 molecules dissolved into it, similar to how carbon dioxide is dissolved into sparkling water. The hydrogen does not change the water's chemical formula. It remains water with extra molecular hydrogen in solution.
The concept is straightforward: take high-quality water and infuse it with molecular hydrogen during the production process. The result is water that looks, pours, and hydrates like any other water, but contains dissolved H2 gas that would not normally be present in standard drinking water.
You will often see ORP mentioned alongside hydrogen water. ORP stands for Oxidation-Reduction Potential, measured in millivolts (mV). It indicates the water's electrochemical potential.
Standard tap water typically has a positive ORP value, while hydrogen-rich water tends to have a reduced (lower) ORP. Designer Water has a reduced ORP at the time of bottling, which is a measurable characteristic of the molecular hydrogen infusion process.
There are several methods used to produce hydrogen water:
Professional bottling facilities use specialised equipment to dissolve molecular hydrogen gas directly into purified water under controlled conditions. This is the method used in commercial hydrogen water production, including at Designer Water's SANBWA-accredited facility in Midrand, South Africa. The infusion occurs at the time of bottling, and the water is sealed immediately to retain the dissolved hydrogen.
Hydrogen water machines (also called ionisers) use electrolysis to split water molecules, generating hydrogen gas at the cathode. Some dissolved hydrogen remains in the water that flows from the machine. These devices vary widely in quality and hydrogen output.
Magnesium-based tablets react with water to produce molecular hydrogen gas. These are portable but produce variable concentrations and often leave a metallic taste.
These terms are related but describe different things. Understanding the distinction matters if you are comparing products.
| Feature | Hydrogen Water | Alkaline Water | Designer Water pH10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Water with dissolved H2 gas | Water with pH above 7 | Both: alkaline pH 10 + H2 infusion |
| pH Level | Can be any pH | Typically 8-10+ | 10+ |
| Molecular Hydrogen | Yes (dissolved H2) | Not necessarily | Yes, infused at time of bottling |
| Minerals | Varies | Ca, Mg, K typically added | Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium |
| ORP | Typically reduced | Varies | Reduced ORP at time of bottling |
| Process | H2 gas infusion | Mineralisation/ionisation | 14-stage purification + mineralisation + H2 infusion |
Most alkaline water brands focus only on pH. Most hydrogen water products focus only on dissolved H2. Designer Water pH10 combines both: alkaline mineralisation to pH 10+ with molecular hydrogen infusion at the time of bottling, plus a reduced ORP at the time of bottling.
This is not a common combination in the South African market. Most bottled water companies offer one or the other, not both.
Molecular hydrogen has become one of the most actively researched molecules in the scientific community. The numbers are notable:
The first landmark study was published in Nature Medicine in 2007 by Ohsawa et al., which generated significant interest in molecular hydrogen research. Since then, the field has expanded rapidly, with researchers across Japan, China, Korea, the United States, and Europe publishing findings.
Published scientific studies on molecular hydrogen cover a wide range of research areas. The Molecular Hydrogen Institute (MHI) maintains a comprehensive database of these publications. Research topics include:
The volume of published research is substantial and growing. Between 2007 and 2025, the annual number of published papers on molecular hydrogen increased significantly each year. This is an active field of scientific investigation, not a fringe topic.
For those who want to explore the published research:
The South African hydrogen water market is still developing. While hydrogen water has been established in Japan and Korea for over a decade, South African consumers are only now becoming aware of it. Search interest for "hydrogen water" in South Africa has grown steadily, with approximately 800 searches per month for the term.
Currently, options for hydrogen water in South Africa are limited:
For South African consumers looking for hydrogen water, locally produced options offer several advantages: fresher product (shorter time from bottling to consumption), no import markups, and accountability to local regulatory standards including SANBWA accreditation.
Designer Water produces premium alkaline water at its facility in Midrand, Gauteng. The production process combines multi-stage purification, alkaline mineralisation, and molecular hydrogen infusion.
The molecular hydrogen infusion occurs at step 9, after mineralisation and pH adjustment but before final sterilisation and bottling. This sequencing is deliberate: the water is already purified and mineralised before H2 is introduced, and it is sealed immediately after infusion to retain the dissolved hydrogen.
Designer Water is one of fewer than 30 SANBWA-accredited water producers in South Africa. The facility holds ISO 22000 food safety certification, meaning every step of the production process, including molecular hydrogen infusion, is documented, audited, and controlled.
In a taste test, 96.9% of participants preferred Designer Water over competing brands. The combination of alkaline mineralisation and molecular hydrogen infusion contributes to the smooth, clean taste profile that distinguishes pH10 from standard purified or spring water.
Try hydrogen-infused alkaline water from South Africa's most certified producer.
SANBWA accredited. ISO 22000 certified. Kosher. Halal. GC Mark. Available in 500ml, 5L, and 10L.
Shop Our Range WhatsApp UsDesigner Water hydrogen-infused alkaline water is available through multiple channels:
Order directly from designerwater.co.za/our-range for delivery across South Africa. Available sizes and pricing:
| Product | Size | Price | Price Per Litre |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH10 Alkaline Water Case | 500ml x 24 | R290 | R24.17/L |
| pH10 Alkaline Water Case | 5L x 4 | R220 | R11.00/L |
| pH10 Alkaline Water | 10L | R93 | R9.30/L |
Designer Water is stocked at independent retailers across South Africa. Contact us on WhatsApp to find your nearest stockist.
Want to sell hydrogen-infused alkaline water in your area? The Waterpreneur Programme lets you start your own distribution business with starter packs from R539. Join over 5,500 active distributors across South Africa.
For offices, gyms, events, and hospitality, contact us directly on WhatsApp: +27 68 628 4427 for volume pricing and regular delivery schedules.
Hydrogen water is one part of the picture. Explore our other comprehensive guides: