When it comes to skincare and wound care, hypochlorous acid is a recent big player in both markets. But with its rising popularity, it is important to examine the question, "is hypochlorous acid bad for you?" Before answering that, let's first understand what hypochlorous acid is.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), is a naturally occurring ingredient that your white blood cells produce fight off infections and bacteria. Chemically speaking, it is a weak acid that has anti-bacterial properties. It is often used in a versatile manner for things such as skincare, wound care, disinfection and more.
How Is Hypochlorous Acid Used?:
Most common use cases for HOCl includes:
Skincare: HOCl is used in face sprays, toners, and cleansers for its ability to soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and combat acne-causing bacteria.
Wound Care: Its antimicrobial properties make it effective for cleaning and promoting the healing of wounds without irritating the skin.
Disinfection: Hypochlorous acid is used in sanitizers and disinfectant sprays for its ability to kill harmful pathogens, including viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
Eye Care: It is found in sprays and drops for treating conditions like dry eye and blepharitis.
Veterinary Care: HOCl is used to treat skin conditions and clean wounds in animals.
The short answer is: Yes, hypochlorous acid is generally safe when used as intended!:
1. Safety in Skincare:
Hypochlorous acid is one of the gentlest ingredients available for skincare. Unlike many other active ingredients, it is non-toxic, non-sensitizing, and non-irritating. This makes it suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin!
Studies have shown that HOCl can reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation, making it particularly beneficial for conditions like eczema, rosacea, and acne. It is also free from harmful chemicals and doesn’t disrupt the skin’s natural barrier.
2. Safety in Wound Care:
One of the reasons hypochlorous acid is so effective in wound care is its bio-compatibility. It mimics the body’s natural defense mechanism, which reduces the risk of adverse reactions. Unlike alcohol-based disinfectants, HOCl doesn’t sting or cause further damage to tissues.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have recognized HOCl as a safe and effective disinfectant for wound cleaning.
3. Safety in Disinfection:
Hypochlorous acid is widely used in hospitals, businesses, and homes as a disinfectant. It is effective at killing 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi without leaving toxic residues. The best part? Unlike bleach, it doesn’t release harmful fumes or irritate the respiratory system when used in proper concentrations.
4. Safety for Eye Use:
HOCl is also used in eye care products for conditions like dry eye and blepharitis. These products are formulated with a pH level and concentration that are safe for sensitive eye tissues.
Who Should Avoid Hypochlorous Acid?:
Though it is a safe ingredient, it is best to double check for those below:
Individuals with known allergies to hypochlorous acid
Those with extremely sensitive skin should perform a patch test
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
How to Choose Safe Hypochlorous Acid Products:
Look for Proper Packaging: HOCl should be stored in opaque, airtight containers to maintain stability.
Concentration: Typically the concentration of HOCl should be between 0.015% - 0.02%
Read Reviews: Check user reviews supporting the product’s claims.
Conclusion:
Hypochorous acid is definetly not bad for you. In fact, it is one of the most well tolerated skincare ingredients and also a very gentle yet effective ingredient for wound care and disinfection. Due to its gentle nature, it is a safe ingredient for a variety of use cases. Worried that hypochlorous acid will kill good bacteria? Check our blog post "Does hypochlorous acid kill good bacteria?" here.
Want to give it a try? Check out our Hypochlorous Acid Spray on Amazon USA or Amazon Canada
So, if someone asks, “Is hypochlorous acid bad for you?” you can confidently say no!
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