Hydrogen Water Protects Skin Cells from UV Damage in Lab Study
Protective effects of dissolved molecular hydrogen against hydrogen peroxide-, hydroperoxide-, and glyoxal-induced injuries to human skin keratinocytes
Research hubs: Oxidative Stress · Skin Aging · Skin & Dermatology System
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Yasukazu Saitoh, Yuuki Yamaguchi, Yuhei Okada
- Journal
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
- Year
- 2021
- PMID
- 34028646
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Gas
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 9 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Molecular hydrogen (H2) can protect skin cells from damage caused by different types of stress related to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.
Key Finding
Dissolved hydrogen gas reduced damage to human skin cells exposed to three types of UV-derived oxidative stress and suppressed the buildup of harmful molecules inside cells.
Summary
Researchers tested whether dissolved hydrogen gas could protect human skin cells from three types of damage caused by UV radiation and oxidative stress (a harmful chemical process). In laboratory dishes, they exposed skin cells to damaging chemicals and found that hydrogen gas reduced cell injury and lowered levels of harmful molecules inside the cells. This suggests hydrogen might help protect skin from UV-related damage.
Practical Takeaway
This is early laboratory research in isolated skin cells, not human skin or people. While the results are promising, they do not yet demonstrate that hydrogen water would protect human skin from UV damage. Much more research—including human studies—would be needed before drawing conclusions about real-world benefits for skin health.
Abstract (excerpt)
Molecular hydrogen (H2) is recognized as a gaseous antioxidant, and it is expected to ameliorate various disorders related to oxidative stress and inflammation. However, there are still many unclear points regarding its effectiveness in the skin. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine…