Skincare Basics

What is Hypochlorous Acid?

Hypochlorous acid is a mild acid naturally produced by our white blood cells, which act as the defenders of our body against pathogens, microbes, and harmful bacteria. Our white blood cells produce more hypochlorous acid in response to biological attacks on our body, sending these hardworking soldiers to the battle area. This production is part of our natural immune defense mechanism and plays a key role in fighting anything harmful to our body. When you get sick, have a wound or a scar, have acne, or experience any harmful health incident, your white blood cells increase the level of hypochlorous acid as needed to protect your body.

Is Hypochlorous Acid Easy to Produce in the Labs?

The short answer is yes. The chemical formulation of hypochlorous acid is not very complex for scientists. It is produced via the reaction of chlorine with water, making it an accessible ingredient for both medical and skincare products.

Is Hypochlorous Acid a Part of the Regenerative Skincare Trend?

A big YES. Similar to exosomes, hypochlorous acid is naturally produced by our bodies and enhances the natural healing system. The secret of this treatment lies in our blood, not in chemical labs; scientists are just following the hints of our bodies.

What are the Main Capabilities of Hypochlorous Acid?

Hypochlorous acid has powerful antibacterial and disinfectant properties. It is very effective in treating acne-prone skin, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and atopic dermatitis. It acts as a long-term healer for various skin conditions.

If your skin problem becomes inflammatory, hypochlorous acid can also help calm skin irritation.

Is Hypochlorous Acid Safe to Use?

Yes. The FDA recognizes hypochlorous acid as a safe and effective wound care and disinfectant agent. The EPA has approved hypochlorous acid for use in sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces.

Another application of hypochlorous acid is in drinking water treatment. Water treatment professionals use hypochlorous acid to disinfect water and balance its pH. This demonstrates the safety of hypochlorous acid; however, do not attempt to treat your own drinking water at home using this method.

The amount of hypochlorous acid used in skincare products is very low, typically 0.02% or less, yet it remains highly effective.

Daily Life Practices of Hypochlorous Acid

There are many ways to incorporate products with hypochlorous acid into your daily skincare routine. 

You can use it as a facial cleanser. A few sprays on the face can soothe rosacea, reduce redness, and alleviate itching. Many users with sensitive skin have reported significant improvements with hypochlorous acid, including reduced hives and contact dermatitis, faster healing periods for dermatitis, and relief from deep cystic acne. People with oily, acne-prone skin find it useful in reducing whiteheads, even when using other treatments like tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide.

Instead of using traditional disinfectants that can dry out your skin, hypochlorous acid products can serve as a gentle hand sanitizer, effectively killing viruses, including the COVID-19 virus.

In addition to its disinfecting properties, hypochlorous acid can act as a superior household cleaner compared to antibacterial soaps. It can also be used to spray on pillowcases and makeup brushes.

If you tend to get sweaty and don’t want to wash your entire face midday to preserve your other skincare products, a quick application of a hypochlorous acid product can prevent acne and control oiliness. Spraying hypochlorous acid after workouts can help reduce breakouts and sweat irritation.

For those with long-term piercings, hypochlorous acid can help prevent infections. 

It is also beneficial for dry eyes when sprayed on the eyelids every morning. 

Products with Hypochlorous Acid

In the name of full transparency, please note that this post contains affiliate links and any purchase made through such links will result in a small commission for us.

SOS Rescue Spray by Tower 28 Beauty

UNIVERSAL SKIN SOLUTION DERMAL SPRAY by Prequel

SkinSmart Facial Cleanser for Acne

Repair Hydrogel by Active Skin Repair

Conclusion

In conclusion, hypochlorous acid is a powerful and effective ingredient that can significantly enhance your skincare routine. Its safety and efficacy are well-recognized by health authorities, and its popularity is on the rise. With just a few sprays each day, you’ll likely notice the benefits quickly and most probably become a regular user of hypochlorous acid products.