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.
Molecular hydrogen (H₂) is the smallest molecule in existence. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless. When infused into water during bottling, it dissolves into solution without altering the water's appearance or basic properties.
What does ORP mean? You'll often see ORP mentioned alongside hydrogen water. ORP stands for Oxidation-Reduction Potential, measured in millivolts. 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 — a measurable characteristic of the molecular hydrogen infusion process.
There are three main methods used to produce hydrogen water. They differ in consistency, cost, and the concentration of hydrogen the final product carries.
Professional bottling facilities use specialised equipment to dissolve H₂ gas directly into purified water under controlled conditions. Used at Designer Water's SANBWA-accredited facility in Midrand, with the bottle sealed immediately to retain dissolved hydrogen.
Hydrogen water machines (or "ionisers") use electrolysis to split water molecules and generate H₂ gas at the cathode. Some dissolved hydrogen remains in the output. Quality and concentration vary widely.
Magnesium-based tablets react with water to produce molecular hydrogen gas. Portable but produce variable concentrations and often leave a metallic taste.
Molecular hydrogen infusion at the time of bottling. A controlled, industrial process at our ISO 22000-certified facility, ensuring consistency across every bottle produced.
These terms are related but describe different things. Most alkaline water brands focus only on pH. Most hydrogen water products focus only on H₂. Designer Water pH10 delivers both.
Hydrogen water sits in an emerging research area. We point you to what's published and let you decide. We don't make health claims.
Some studies suggest molecular hydrogen interacts with reactive oxygen species. The body of research is growing but early. Findings haven't been replicated at scale.
Various peer-reviewed publications
Hydrogen water hydrates the same as any water. The H₂ component is additional, not a replacement for ordinary hydration mechanics.
No claims beyond standard hydration
Designer Water's reduced Oxidation-Reduction Potential is a measurable characteristic of the molecular hydrogen infusion process. It's a factual descriptor of the water as it leaves the line, not a health claim.
Internal QA — measured at time of bottling
We don't claim hydrogen water cures, treats or prevents any condition. We don't claim it changes blood pH. We don't claim it's a medicine. It's mineralised, alkaline, hydrogen-infused water — bottled to a high spec.
The brand's compliance position
Every bottle of Designer Water pH10 goes through a 14-stage purification, mineralisation and infusion sequence at our SANBWA-accredited facility in Midrand.
One bottle, three things that ordinary water doesn't have. Designer Water pH10 — molecular hydrogen, calcium, magnesium and potassium, all infused at time of bottling.