If you’ve been hearing a lot about hypochlorous acid (HOCl) lately, you’re not alone. It might sound like something you’d find in a science experiment, but HOCl is actually one of the most gentle yet powerful solutions for your skin.
Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, irritation, or just want to keep your skin happy and healthy, hypochlorous acid is a true multitasker. So, what does it really do, and why is everyone talking about it? Let’s break it down in simple, human terms.
1. It Fights the Bad Stuff (Bacteria, Viruses, and Fungi)
Think of hypochlorous acid as your skin’s personal bodyguard. It’s naturally produced by your immune system to fight infections and keep harmful microbes in check. When used topically, it helps:
Combat acne by targeting the bacteria that cause breakouts.
Clean wounds and prevent infections in cuts and scrapes.
Disinfect without irritation, whether it’s your skin or your personal care tools.
Suggested product pairing: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser before applying HOCl for optimal results.
And the best part? It’s tough on the bad stuff but gentle on your skin.
2. It Calms Angry Skin
We’ve all been there—red, itchy, inflamed skin that just won’t quit. Hypochlorous acid steps in like a soothing balm for irritated skin. It’s amazing for conditions like:
Eczema and rosacea: Reducing redness and calming flare-ups.
Sensitive skin: Easing irritation without harsh chemicals.
Post-sunburn relief: Cooling and calming sun-damaged skin.
If your skin’s throwing a tantrum, HOCl is like a hug in a bottle.
3. It Helps Your Skin Heal Faster
Did you know your body already uses hypochlorous acid to heal wounds? When you apply it topically, it speeds up the repair process by:
Cleaning out harmful bacteria.
Reducing inflammation that slows healing.
Helping your skin recover from things like acne scars or minor cuts.
It’s like giving your skin an extra nudge to bounce back faster.
Suggested product pairing: Apply a soothing balm like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 after HOCl to accelerate the healing process
4. It Balances Your Skin’s Microbiome
Your skin isn’t just skin—it’s a living ecosystem full of bacteria (both good and bad). Hypochlorous acid helps keep that ecosystem balanced by reducing harmful bacteria while letting the good ones do their thing.
This is a game-changer for issues like:
Acne-prone skin: Keeping breakouts under control.
Seborrheic dermatitis: Soothing flakiness and irritation.
Healthy microbiome = happy skin.
5. It Gently Cleanses Without Stripping
Traditional cleansers can sometimes feel like they’re fighting your skin instead of helping it. HOCl cleanses differently. It removes dirt, oil, and impurities while being gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. No tight, dry feeling here—just clean, refreshed skin.
Suggested product pairing: For a double-cleanse routine, try Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm as a first step before using HOCl.
How Can You Use Hypochlorous Acid?
HOCl is ridiculously easy to use. Just spray it directly onto clean skin, let it air dry, and you’re good to go. Some ways to incorporate it into your routine:
As a toner: After cleansing, to soothe irritation and prep your skin for the next step.
For wound care: Keep cuts and scrapes clean and promote faster healing.
To combat maskne: Spray it on areas prone to irritation from wearing masks.
As a refresh: A quick spritz anytime your skin feels dry or irritated.
It’s versatile, gentle, and fits into just about any routine.
Why Hypochlorous Acid Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Here’s the thing about hypochlorous acid—it’s proof that simple ingredients can still be incredibly effective. It doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals or fancy buzzwords. Instead, it works with your skin, not against it, to tackle a range of concerns:
Fighting acne.
Calming irritation.
Promoting healing.
Balancing your skin’s microbiome.
Whether your skin needs a little extra TLC or you’re looking for a multi-purpose solution, HOCl has your back.
Final Thoughts
So, what does hypochlorous acid do? It’s the quiet superhero of skincare, doing everything from fighting bacteria to soothing irritation, all while being gentle enough for daily use.
At Honeydew Labs, our hypochlorous acid spray is crafted to be gentle yet effective for everyday use. Grab yours on Amazon USA or Amazon Canada and see the difference it can make.
Curious about combining hypochlorous acid with retinol? Check out our blog to learn how these two powerhouse ingredients can work together in your skincare routine!
DISCLAIMER: This article provides general information on skincare conditions and treatments. It is not intended to replace medical advice. Honeydew Labs products are cosmetic solutions and should not substitute prescribed treatments for chronic conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.
References
McDonnell, G., & Russell, A. D. (1999). "Antimicrobial properties of hypochlorous acid." Clinical Microbiology Reviews.
Bongiovanni, B., & Karpecki, P. (2020). "Applications of hypochlorous acid in skincare and wound healing." Journal of Dermatological Science.
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