What Are Hypochlorous Acid and Glycolic Acid?
If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably heard about hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and glycolic acid. They both have impressive benefits but do very different things.Hypochlorous acid is a gentle yet powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient. It’s commonly found in sprays that help with redness, irritation, acne, and overall skin healing (Lio & Kircik, 2022). Think of it as a disinfectant, but for your skin—minus the harshness.
Glycolic acid, on the other hand, is a chemical exfoliant that helps shed dead skin, fade dark spots, and smooth out texture (Tang et al., 2020). It’s one of the strongest alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) out there, making it a go-to for brightening and anti-aging.
So, can you mix them for even better results? Not really.
Why You Shouldn’t Mix Them
Some skincare ingredients work well together, but these two don’t. Here’s why:
They Have Different pH Levels – Glycolic acid works best at a pH of 3-4, while hypochlorous acid is most effective at 5-6. Mixing them can throw off the balance, making both less effective.
It Might Irritate Your Skin – Glycolic acid is already strong. Adding hypochlorous acid on top of that could make your skin red, dry, or more sensitive than usual.
There’s No Real Benefit – Using them together won’t enhance results—it just increases the risk of irritation.
The Right Way to Use Hypochlorous Acid and Glycolic Acid
Instead of layering them, the best approach is to use them at different times of the day.
Morning Routine (Soothing & Protecting)
Use Hypochlorous Acid First – After cleansing, spray on something HOCL spray to help with inflammation and bacteria.
Let It Absorb – Wait a minute before applying anything else.
Follow Up with Moisturizer & SPF – Since glycolic acid increases sun sensitivity, wearing sunscreen is a must.
Night Routine (Exfoliating & Repairing)
Cleanse First – Wash off the day’s dirt and oil.
Apply Glycolic Acid – Try The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, Paula’s Choice 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant, or Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum.
Moisturize – Always follow up with hydration to prevent dryness or irritation.
The Bottom Line
Mixing hypochlorous acid and glycolic acid isn’t a great idea, but you can still use both—just at different times of the day. Keep hypochlorous acid in the morning for its soothing and protective benefits, and use glycolic acid at night for exfoliation.
When it comes to skincare, less is often more. Being strategic about when and how you apply products makes a big difference in results. Stick to what works, and your skin will thank you.
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If you're curious about whether Hypochlorous acid can kill toenail fungus, check out this blog here!
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional skincare advice. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have concerns.
References:
Lio, P. A., & Kircik, L. H. (2022). The role of hypochlorous acid in dermatology. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 15(6), 12-17.
Tang, S. C., Yang, J. H., & Huang, H. C. (2020). Glycolic acid and its applications in dermatology. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(22), 8435.
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