Hypochlorous acid is currently everywhere in the beauty world. As one of the latest “it” ingredients, it’s been popping up across skin care influencers’ social media feeds, the pages of women’s magazines, newspaper wellness sections and, of course, on beauty-store shelves. Perhaps you’ve encountered one of the thousands of TikTok videos touting hypochlorous acid as a skin cure-all, capable of treating everything from rosacea and eczema to acne and bug bites and even body odor. Maybe you’ve wondered: Should I really use something on my face that’s 100 times more potent than bleach and used to clean pools? Well, according to experts — and clinical research — if you struggle with any of the above issues, or redness and irritation, you probably should.
Quick Overview
What is hypochlorous acid?
“Hypochlorous acid is a naturally occurring molecule produced by our white blood cells as part of the immune response,” says Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center. “It’s gentle in fighting against infection, reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.”
And, while the acid in hypochlorous acid may give a layperson pause, in chemistry circles, it’s actually characterized as a weak acid, meaning it has a low pH level. Though “weak,” it contains powerful antimicrobial properties, which is why it’s often used in household disinfectants and, yes, pool cleaners. In skin care, hypochlorous acid is heavily diluted to ensure safety on human skin. Experts I spoke with say, even in low concentrations, it’s a potent and effective ingredient for treating an array of common skin challenges.
What will hypochlorous acid do for my skin?
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, hypochlorous acid works to calm skin conditions like eczema and rosacea, along with overall redness and swelling. Since it also acts as an anti-bacterial, it’s a solid choice for helping to ease or prevent breakouts and even for freshening up areas of the body that are prone to odors, like your feet and armpits. It won’t block sweat like a deodorant, but it will help eradicate smelliness, making it a great choice for hot days or mornings at the gym. It’s also useful for spraying on bug bites to reduce irritation and on fresh wounds to accelerate healing.
Is hypochlorous acid safe to use on my face?
Yes, says Shirazi. “It’s safe for all skin types and gentle enough for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.” However, she explains, “If you have a sensitivity to hypochlorous acid or if you have healthy skin but overuse it, it can cause disruption in your skin’s microbiome and lead to irritation.”
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Our advice? To avoid any potential aggravation, try a small spot test before going all in. If you’re ready to test it out, the following are the internet’s — and our expert’s — top hypochlorous acid facial sprays. As always, if your skin is super sensitive, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist before applying any new product.
SkinSmart Antimicrobial
Prequel
Tower 28
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