Can You Add Essential Oils to Hypochlorous Acid?

So you’re loving your hypochlorous acid (HOCl) spray — maybe using it to calm breakouts, soothe redness, or even as a gentle skin refresher. And then comes the thought: “Hmm… what if I added a little lavender essential oil to make it smell nice?”

I get it — essential oils smell amazing and have some solid benefits. But before you start mixing, let’s talk about what really happens when you combine essential oils with HOCl… and whether it's actually a good idea.

Quick Recap: What is Hypochlorous Acid?

HOCl is that magical molecule your immune system makes to fight off bacteria and reduce inflammation. It’s used in wound care, acne treatments, and even eye sprays. And the reason it’s so popular? It works without being harsh on the skin. It's also water-based, slightly acidic (around pH 5.5), and pretty sensitive to changes in its environment.

So... Can You Add Essential Oils to It?

Technically? You could. But should you? Probably not.

Here’s why:

1. HOCl is unstable around oils. Adding essential oils — which are hydrophobic (aka they don’t mix with water) — can mess with the delicate balance of HOCl. This means it might lose its effectiveness or break down faster.

2. It could irritate your skin. One of the best things about HOCl is how gentle it is. Essential oils, on the other hand, are potent. When mixed incorrectly (especially without a proper emulsifier), they can cause irritation, redness, or even allergic reactions — particularly if sprayed directly on the face.

3. They separate anyway. Without an emulsifier or solubilizer, essential oils won’t blend evenly with HOCl. You’ll end up with a layer of oil floating on top, and each spray might be a gamble: one mist could be just water, the next could be pure lavender to the eyeball (ouch).

   
   

A Better Alternative

If you want the calming benefits (and lovely scent) of essential oils in your skincare routine, just use them in a separate step. Here’s a simple flow:

1. Spray hypochlorous acid on clean skin.

2. Let it dry — give it 30–60 seconds.

3. Follow with a facial oil or moisturizer that’s infused with essential oils, like:

   • Herbivore Botanicals Lapis Oil (includes blue tansy, great for acne-prone skin)

   • Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil (rich in antioxidants, super gentle)

   • Primally Pure Everything Spray (EOs done right, but not mixed with HOCl)

   
   

This way, you still get the aroma and skin benefits without compromising the stability or safety of your HOCl.

Final Thoughts

We totally get wanting to make your skincare routine more spa-like. But when it comes to mixing essential oils directly into hypochlorous acid, it’s just not worth the risk. You’re better off keeping them separate so each ingredient can do its job without interference.

If you want a clean, effective Hypochlorous Acid Spray that’s already perfectly balanced and safe for everyday use, you can find ours on Amazon Canada or Amazon USA. No weird reactions, no DIY chemistry — just skin that feels clean, calm, and cared for.

Wondering if Hypochlorous Acid can help with Perioral Dermatitis? Check out this blog to learn more.

Disclaimer:

This blog is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always patch test new products and consult a dermatologist if you’re unsure about combining ingredients or have sensitive skin.

References

1. Del Rosso, J. Q. (2016). Use of a stabilized hypochlorous acid solution in wound care and scar management. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 9(6), 36–44.

2. Opdyke, D. L. J. (1976). Monographs on fragrance raw materials: Lavender oil. Food and Cosmetics Toxicology, 14(3), 297–298. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0015-6264(76)80559-4