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Does Hypochlorous Acid Help with Perioral Dermatitis?

If you’ve ever had perioral dermatitis, you know it’s a total pain. The redness, the little bumps that aren’t quite acne, the itchiness—it’s like your skin decided to freak out for no reason. And what’s worse? Half the time, the treatments people recommend either make it worse or take forever to work.


So now you’re here, wondering: Can hypochlorous acid (HOCl) actually help? Let’s talk about it.


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First Off, What Even Is Perioral Dermatitis?


Perioral dermatitis is basically a weird mix of acne, eczema, and rosacea. It shows up as redness, tiny bumps, and irritation—usually around your mouth, nose, or even your eyes. It can feel dry, itchy, and sometimes burn. And the worst part? It’s stubborn. You think it’s getting better, then boom—it’s back.


Common triggers include:

  • Steroid creams (even the ones your doctor gave you—yep, the irony)

  • Fluoride toothpaste (why? No one really knows, but for some people, it’s a thing)

  • Heavy skincare products (thick creams, oils, anything too occlusive)

  • Hormones & stress (of course, because why wouldn’t stress make it worse?)

  • Over-cleansing (yes, you can be too clean)


So, What’s the Deal with Hypochlorous Acid?


Okay, I know "hypochlorous acid" sounds like something you’d use to clean a swimming pool, but hear me out—your body actually makes it. Your immune system produces HOCl to fight bacteria and heal wounds. It’s been used for years in wound care, eczema treatments, and even acne-fighting products because it’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and super gentle.


Basically, it helps kill bacteria and reduce irritation without wrecking your skin barrier. And if you have perioral dermatitis, protecting your skin barrier is everything.


Can Hypochlorous Acid Actually Help Perioral Dermatitis?


While it’s not some magical overnight cure, HOCl can be a total game-changer for perioral dermatitis. Here’s why:


  • It calms inflammation – Helps reduce redness and irritation without being harsh.

  • It fights bacteria – If bacteria are triggering your flare-ups, HOCl helps keep them in check.

  • It won’t destroy your skin barrier – Unlike some acne treatments or steroids, it won’t dry you out or cause more damage.

  • It supports healing – Since it’s used in wound care, it might help your skin recover faster.


A lot of people who struggle with PD find that HOCl sprays or toners help soothe their skin and reduce flare-ups. But the trick is to keep your routine minimal—throwing a bunch of products at PD usually makes things worse.


How to Use Hypochlorous Acid for Perioral Dermatitis


If you want to try HOCl, here’s how to add it to your routine:

  1. Use a super gentle cleanser – Nothing foaming, no harsh actives.

  2. Spray or dab on HOCl – Let it dry naturally, don’t wipe it off.

  3. Follow with a basic, fragrance-free moisturizer – Keep it simple.

  4. Avoid heavy creams, oils, and active ingredients – Less is more when it comes to PD.

Pro tip: The more you try to "fix" PD, the angrier it gets. Simplicity is key.


Other Products That Might Help


If you’re trying to calm down perioral dermatitis, here are a few dermatologist-approved options:


Where to Get Hypochlorous Acid Spray


If you want to try HOCl, you can grab our Hypochlorous Acid Spray on Amazon Canada or Amazon USA. It’s an easy, gentle way to help calm and protect your skin without making things worse.


The Bottom Line


So, does hypochlorous acid help with perioral dermatitis? It definitely can. While it’s not an instant fix, it can help reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and support healing—without making things worse (which is half the battle). If you’ve tried everything and nothing is working, HOCl might be worth adding to your routine.


Can you pair Vitamin C with Hypochlorous Acid in your routine? Find out now!


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Disclaimer: 

This article is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult a dermatologist before trying new skincare treatments.


References:

  • Del Rosso, J. Q., & Kircik, L. H. (2019). The role of the skin microbiome in rosacea and perioral dermatitis. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 12(6), 46–50.

  • Lee, D. E., & Trowbridge, R. M. (2017). Management of perioral dermatitis: A review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 18(5), 631–636. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-017-0272-1


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