What is Hypochlorous Acid for Skin?

In this article:
What is hypochlorous acid?
How does hypochlorous acid benefit skin?
Can hypochlorous acid help blemishes?
Does hypochlorous acid reduce wrinkles?
Hypochlorous acid side effects on skin
Is hypochlorous acid safe around eyes?
How do you use hypochlorous acid?
Can you use hypochlorous acid with salicylic acid?
Can you use hypochlorous acid with antioxidants?

Finding a skin care ingredient that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, yet effective in its ability to help control breakout-causing environments is no easy feat. But internet users across TikTok and Reddit swear they’ve found just that in hypochlorous acid.

Although its name conjures thoughts of harsh, stripping acids, this skin care ingredient is anything but. Hypochlorous acid is a gentle ingredient, as we explain in detail below. In recent years, it’s made itself known to beauty insiders, but it’s now on the precipice of mainstream notoriety thanks to an increasing number of hypochlorous acid skin care products, most notably hypochlorous acid sprays, many with breakout-busting claims.

Before you run out and invest in hypochlorous acid, let us walk you through an ingredient breakdown where we cover benefits of hypochlorous acid for blemish-prone skin, if it's safe for application and how to use it in your skin care routine.

What is hypochlorous acid?

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a weak acid that the body (white blood cells) naturally produces (1). It’s an integral part of the immune system, where it wages war against invading microorganisms that would go on to cause illness.

Researchers and scientists took note of hypochlorous acid’s ability to tackle microorganisms inside the body and created a bio-identical synthetic form (from electrolysed salt water) to use as a disinfectant, specifically in medical settings (2).

Due to its use as a disinfectant, it's often compared to hydrogen peroxide and bleach. Online, these connections have become overblown, teetering on an all-out fearmongering campaign. It is true that hypochlorous acid is a component of bleach. However, bleach is toxic to the body because of the reactions of its chemical components. In bleach, hypochlorous acid reacts with other substances, like chlorine, and transforms into a substance that is harmful to skin. Don’t let these comparisons scare you off; remember that hypochlorous acid is a natural part of our immune system and is commonly used during medical procedures, not just to disinfect, but also to help promote wound recovery (3). Hypochlorous acid fits right in when used on the body. We can’t (and won’t) say the same for bleach!

“Hypochlorous acid has definitely shown some exciting benefits for the skin including the promotion of wound recovery, decreasing itch and fighting microorganisms,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Beth McLellan.

How does hypochlorous acid benefit skin?

Hypochlorous acid in skin care can soothe, help assist with skin recovery, promote balance and aid blemish-prone skin in its fight against breakout-causing circumstances.

Sensitive skin types, listen up: Research substantiates the claim that hypochlorous acid works to calm and soothe skin (4). It impacts skin in such a way that it helps curb the visible side effects of angry, irritated skin, including itching, redness and puffiness (5).

Hypochlorous acid can also assist in skin barrier repair (which makes sense, since doctors and surgeons use it to help with healing). The multi-tasking ingredient helps keep out bad microorganisms that wreak havoc on skin, without impacting the good microorganisms that are an integral part of skin health (3). Basically, it creates the perfect environment for skin to focus on its own repair.

Now let’s get to the meat-and-potatoes of hypochlorous acid’s buzzworthy claims: its ability to work with blemish-prone skin to create an environment that can lead to smoother skin and a reduction in the occurrence of clogs and bumps (6). There’s merit to this as research demonstrates measurable benefit of hypochlorous acid, when used in a superoxidised solution, for blemish-prone skin (7). We’ll get more in detail about how it does this and how hypochlorous acid stacks up against other pimple squashing ingredients below.

Although this ingredient does have research backing certain skin benefits, it's not the end-all ingredient that the hypochlorous TikTok crowd makes it out to be. Like any other skin care ingredient, including juggernauts vitamin C and niacinamide, hypochlorous acid functions best when used with other skin-repairing, restoring and replenishing ingredients. “It is always great to have a new option available for skin health but that doesn’t mean we should abandon the tried-and-true ingredients,” reminds Dr. McLellan.

Can hypochlorous acid help blemishes?

Hypochlorous acid takes blemish-causing bacteria to task. This gentle ingredient ambushes these no-good microbes, breaking down their cell walls so they can’t thrive or multiply.

In a study comparing hypochlorous acid in a superoxidised solution to anti-blemish hero ingredient benzoyl peroxide, the solution demonstrated similar efficacy due to its ability to halt the creation of a pro-blemish skin environment (6). However, the study was limited, indicating the need for more research. While hypochlorous acid is a promising ingredient for blemish-prone skin, benzoyl peroxide still reigns supreme with decades of research supporting its use.

Although hypochlorous acid also inhibits fungus growth as well, it’s not yet clear if it does just that on the specific form of fungus (yeast) that can leads to bumps and clogs on the face and body.

Does hypochlorous acid reduce wrinkles?

In a roundabout way, hypochlorous acid can help reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines due to its supportive role in maintaining skin health. Wrinkles and fine lines look more pronounced when skin’s irritated and dehydrated, so topical application of hypochlorous acid may help combat this through its calming properties.

Don’t expect miracles; it can’t target skin’s underlying architecture and firmness. There are far more impactful anti-ageing skin care ingredients, like peptides, retinol and retinoids, that research proves have a direct impact on the appearance of signs of ageing, like wrinkles, uneven tone and dullness.

Hypochlorous acid side effects on skin

Hypochlorous acid is safe for topical application (remember, it’s already present in our bodies!). The hypochlorous acid used in skin care products is highly diluted, so you’re not applying the same concentration of the ingredient to your face and body that’s seen in disinfectants. In fact, only 0.01% of the ingredient is needed to achieve its skin benefits (4).

Due to its gentle nature, side effects aren’t likely and because it doesn’t exfoliate or increase cell turnover rate, skin purging isn’t expected either.

Is hypochlorous acid safe around eyes?

This weak acid isn’t used just for its skin benefits, it’s also used in the eye-care space as a way to get rid of unwanted microorganisms that hang out around the eye-area (8). Please note, it’s not being used in the eye, but instead on and around the eyelid.

This doesn’t mean you can use your hypochlorous acid spray or skin care hypochlorous acid formula as an at-home remedy for any concerns you see around this area. Instead, consult a doctor and follow their advice.

How do you use hypochlorous acid?

Using hypochlorous acid is as easy as finding a skin care product that includes it in its formula. Although previously hard-to-find, the ingredient is now included in product formats like serums, sprays and mists. It’s best in these leave-on product formats— the longer hypochlorous acid interacts with skin, the more it can soothe and help control breakout-causing environments.

Because of its many benefits, hypochlorous acid is great for all skin types, but specifically beneficial for those with blemish-prone skin while even being suitable for eczema- and rosacea-prone skin.

Hypochlorous acid’s benefits extend beyond facial skin. If you’re looking to soothe or smooth skin on the chest and back, applying a hypochlorous acid skin care product can help in these regions, too.

Note: Don’t seek out a hypochlorous acid skin care dupe in disinfecting sprays formulated with the acid! In order for it to be effective and gentle on skin, it must be diluted, and its formula should exist within a certain pH range, usually 3.5-5.5 (9). Cleaning supplies definitely do not belong on the skin!

Can you use hypochlorous acid with salicylic acid?

Using hypochlorous acid and salicylic acid (AKA BHA) in the same skin care routine is a great idea, especially for those prone to breakouts. BHA and hypochlorous acid complement one another, with each completing a task the other can’t do well.

While BHA exfoliants help remove buildup within pores that would otherwise turn into bumps and clogs, hypochlorous acid works on the surface of skin to deal with an over-proliferation of microorganisms that can contribute to the development of breakouts. What a team!

“I love combining products that attack the various contributors to blemishes without causing too much irritation,” says Dr. McLellan.

Can you use hypochlorous acid with antioxidants?

Hypochlorous acid decreases the power of antioxidants due to the unique way the ingredient works (10, 11). Although a con, this isn’t a reason to swear off the beneficial ingredient altogether. Using the two ingredients together is as simple as slightly tweaking your routine.

If your skin care routine contains antioxidants, like vitamin C serums and niacinamide boosters, space out usage of a hypochlorous acid mist or spray. For example, apply your antioxidant products in the morning (and follow with SPF), allowing it time to roll up its sleeves. A few hours later, spritz your hypochlorous acid mist per directions on the bottle.

If hypochlorous acid serums, not sprays, are your ingredient vehicle of choice, apply this serum at night and your antioxidant products in the morning so there’s no interaction at all.

Learn more about skin care ingredients.

References for this information:

1. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, July 2020, pages 385-414
2. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, September 2020, pages 1,4611-1,466
3. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, February 2020, pages 270-277
4. Journal of Integrative Dermatology, December 2022, ePublication
5. SKIN The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine, October 2017, S40, ePublication
6. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, April 2009, pages 289-292
7. Dermatologic Surgery, December 2018, pages 1,489-1,493
8. Drugs in Context, July 2022, pages 1–8
9. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, November 2018, pages 36-39
10. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, September 2022, pages 1–45
11. Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine, February 1993, pages 257-262