Hydrogen Water Protects Skin Cells from Cosmetic Preservative Damage
Suppressive effect of electrolyzed reduced water on the paraben-induced DNA damage in human dermal fibroblast cells
Research hubs: Oxidative Stress · 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
- A-Reum Yu, Kun-Kul Ryoo, Mi-Young Lee
- Journal
- Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial Cooperation Society
- Year
- 2010
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 2 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- South Korea
TL;DR
Electrolyzed reduced water may protect skin cells from DNA damage caused by a common preservative found in cosmetics.
Key Finding
Electrolyzed reduced water suppressed DNA damage caused by methylparaben in human skin cells cultured in the laboratory.
Summary
Researchers tested whether electrolyzed reduced water (water treated with electricity to add hydrogen) could protect skin cells from damage caused by methylparaben, a common preservative in cosmetics. Using a laboratory test that detects DNA damage, they found that electrolyzed reduced water reduced the harmful effects of methylparaben on human skin cells grown in a dish.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early laboratory study in cells only, not humans, so it's too preliminary to draw conclusions about real-world skin protection. While the results suggest electrolyzed reduced water may have antioxidant properties against paraben damage, much more research—including human studies—would be needed before any health claims could be made.
Abstract (excerpt)
Parabens have been widely used as preservatives in cosmetics due to the presumed low toxicity and long history of safe use. However, recent studies have shown the potent toxicity of parabens. In order to know if electrolyzed reduced water could suppress the oxidative DNA damage of HDF cell…