The hydrogen-rich water market is valued at USD 2,248.9 million in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 4,131.8 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period 2023-2030. Scientific studies show the huge potential for human health, which is why interest in hydrogen water and technology for health is growing not only in America but also on other continents.
Hydrogen-rich water, the latest trend in wellness, is essentially water saturated with hydrogen gas. Scientific studies highlight its impressive anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This newly discovered elixir of life has garnered attention for its potential to boost energy levels, fight aging and speed muscle recovery after exercise.
For example, a study involving 49 people undergoing radiotherapy for liver cancer found that drinking hydrogen-rich water for six weeks significantly improved their quality of life during treatment. This is just one example of the promising effects of this emerging trend.
Overview of the hydrogen-rich water market
The market for hydrogen-rich water has grown rapidly in the U.S. in recent years due to the growing awareness of the potential health benefits associated with the consumption of hydrogen-infused water. Hydrogen-rich water, or hydrogen water, is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to studies by thousands of scientists. This niche market has witnessed remarkable growth owing to the growing demand for wellness products and the pursuit of healthier lifestyles. The dynamism of the market is primarily attributed to its unique offering of providing a more efficient and effective way to hydrate the body while providing potential therapeutic benefits. The global hydrogen-rich water market is poised for substantial growth in the coming years, fueled by factors such as rising health awareness and innovative product offerings.
Market dynamics
Growing health awareness: as consumers become more health-conscious, there is a growing preference for beverages and products that offer potential health benefits. Hydrogen-rich water fits this trend perfectly, as it is believed to have antioxidant properties that can fight oxidative stress and inflammation.
Growing wellness industry: the global wellness industry is experiencing strong growth, with people willing to invest in products and services that support their well-being. Hydrogen-rich water fits seamlessly into this landscape, as it is seen as a natural and holistic approach to improving health.
Innovative product offerings: companies in the hydrogen-rich water market are constantly innovating to meet consumer preferences. This includes the development of portable hydrogen water generators, hydrogen infused beverages, and even hydrogen water baths.
Scientific research: ongoing scientific research on the potential health benefits of hydrogen-rich water is fueling market growth. Research studies investigating its impact on various health conditions are generating interest and encouraging consumer adoption.
Top trends in the global hydrogen-rich water market
Portable hydrogen generators: The popularity of portable hydrogen water generators is on the rise, allowing consumers to produce hydrogen-rich water on the go. These devices have gained traction for their convenience and affordability. "The hydrogen bottle is definitely one of our best-selling products," says marketing manager Matěj Žárský on behalf of Czech hydrogen leader H2 Global Group. "Our customers appreciate the 3-in-1 combination - our bottles not only offer hydrogen water production directly in the bottle, but also the ability to connect and saturate water from a PET bottle and the ability to inhale the hydrogen."
Hydrogen beverages: Beverage manufacturers are introducing hydrogen-containing beverages such as hydrogen bottles and cans. These products offer consumers a convenient way to incorporate hydrogen into their daily routine. In the Czech market, hydrogen water in cans is available under the name H2 Premium Hydrogen Water from H2 Medical. According to the manufacturer, this water is ideal for washing down medications. "Molecular hydrogen dissolved in water is a very good protection for our liver and kidneys. In addition, medicines washed down with water with molecular hydrogen worked faster. I therefore proposed offering people bottled hydrogen water that they could drink at home and on the go," explains the author of the idea, pharmacist Milan Krajíček from H2 Pharm.
H2 Premium hydrogen water also has an extremely high hydrogen dose, up to 2.0 ppm, thanks to the special technology of nanobubbles. "This is the highest that has been measured so far in the hydrogen water range available worldwide, which we can prove with laboratory tests," explains Pavel Vašek of H2 Medical Technologies, which is responsible for the hydrogen nanogenerator technology. "What's even more amazing, our hydrogen water still has more than half the original amount of hydrogen after 24 hours, thanks to the nanobubbles, even in an open container. But this water is designed to be drunk immediately, or used to wash down pharmaceuticals," adds Vasek.
Hydrogen baths and spas: Hydrogen baths and spas are gaining attention for their potential therapeutic effects. These experiences offer a unique way to absorb hydrogen through the skin, potentially providing additional health benefits. H2 Medical has developed high-tech technology for these purposes for anyone who wants to enjoy the antioxidant effect of molecular hydrogen through the skin. The H2 SPA Hydrogen Tub with Door offers a special 175-litre seating tub that includes a high-pressure generator that creates hydrogen-filled nanobubbles. This allows hydrogen to reach the body over almost the entire surface of the skin and can thus help people with eczema, psoriasis, but also, for example, inflammatory joint diseases.
Hydrogen inhalation therapy: Some wellness enthusiasts are exploring hydrogen inhalation therapy as an alternative to drinking hydrogen-rich water. This trend involves inhaling hydrogen gas for potential health benefits. This method of administering hydrogen is mainly used by spas and wellness centers in the Czech Republic. Incorporating hydrogen inhalation and hydrogen drinking treatments has proven successful, for example, at Jánské spa, where it is used especially for young patients with long-term respiratory problems, or at Teplice nad Bečvou spa, where hydrogen supports the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the effects of covid and other inflammatory diseases. Material support for the spa in the Czech Republic and Slovakia is provided by H2 Medical Technologies.
Challenges in the hydrogen market
Limited awareness: While preliminary research is promising, more comprehensive studies are needed to fully validate the health claims associated with hydrogen-rich water. While awareness is growing, many consumers are still unaware of the potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water. Effective marketing and education are needed to overcome this barrier.
Expanding product offerings and investing in education: Manufacturers can diversify their product portfolios by introducing new and innovative hydrogen-rich water-based products, such as flavoured variants or hydrogen-infused foods. Another important step is to invest in educational campaigns that can help inform consumers about the potential benefits of hydrogen-rich water and encourage greater adoption and demand.
Global expansion: The market has significant growth potential in regions where awareness is still developing and offers opportunities for expansion and market penetration. Thus, it is expected that interest in hydrogen water and hydrogen technology will continue to grow steeply over time not only in the Americas but also in other continents.
