Hypochlorous Acid for Skin: Benefits and Uses in Skin Care

Hypochlorous acid benefits the skin by moisturizing, calming irritation, and cleaning pathogens (virus, bacteria and fungus) to provide a healthy environment for healing and recovery. HOCL breaks apart the cell walls of pathogens to kill them, while being perfectly safe for the cells of the human body. Since HOCL is bioidentical to the HOCL produced by the body, it works on sensitive skin, dry skin, oily skin and combination skin. A study by J. Jandova and J. Snell in Redox Biology showed significant inflammation reduction on mice by blocking inflammatory gene expression on skin exposed to UV radiation. HOCL is particularly effective on minor burns and sunburns, so is a summer time staple for the family to use.

Yes, hypochlorous acid is very safe for the skin because it replicates the HOCL naturally produced by the body. HOCL is used as a gentle, safe and effective skincare product due to its powerful antimicrobial, soothing and moisturizing properties. HOCL is mild, doesn't damage or overly dry out the skin- making it ideal for sensitive, reactive skin. Properly pH balanced HCOL is sting free and so can be used on minor wounds, acne, eczema and cracked skin without worry. As HOCL breaks down, it does not leave any harmful chemicals.

Side effects of HOCL are rare and mild if they occur- including mild dryness if used excessively, mild stinging on open wounds if not properly pH balanced and rarely an allergic reaction causing slight redness or irritation. It is recommended to test a small sample of HOCL on the skin before regular use.

Hypochlorous acid is considered generally safe to use on all ages, including babies, but parents should test samples for allergies and consult their pediatrician. If dryness occurs, apply a moisturizer after the hypochlorous acid is fully dry. Consult a physician and discontinue use if constant irritation occurs.

The dermatologist recommended concentration for hypochlorous acid spray for skin is between .0005% up to .02%. A 2020 Study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that as little as .01% hypochlorous acid was an effective antiseptic agent to kill fungus, virus and bacteria on the skin while also having wound healing properties.

Hypochlorous acid benefits are listed below.

1. Cleansing: Hypochlorous acid can gently kill virus, bacteria and fungus making it a promising antiseptic for blemishes, minor wounds, eczema and more.  

2. Moisturizing: Hypochlorous acid provides hydration to the skin while supporting the skin barrier with proper pH balancing.

3. Calming: Hypochlorous acid can soothe inflammation and reduce itch in irritated skin. By reducing inflammation, HOCL helps increase blood flow- allowing oxygen and nutrients to the affected area.

4. Healing : Hypochlorous acid helps cleanse, moisturize, balance and calm the skin- making a better environment for tissue repair and recovery.

Yes, hypochlorous acid can be used on all skin types. Hypochlorous acid spray mimics the HOCL produced by the body and therefore is beneficial for all skin types. Sensitive skin benefits from the calming and cleansing aspects, dry skin enjoys moisturization, while oily and combination skin benefits from bacterial reduction and pH balancing effects.

Yes, hypochlorous acid made as a cleaning product can be used as a disinfectant for the home. Hypochlorous acid for home use is regulated by the EPA and is a recommended disinfectant due to it’s gentle properties, antimicrobial capabilities. Hypochlorous acid disinfectants are good because they effectively kill virus, fungus and bacteria while being non-toxic, eco-friendly and can be used on food surfaces. Hypochlorous acid won't damage surfaces or stain fabric. HOCL disinfectant sprays can be safely used on counters, furniture, toys, bathrooms, produce and other high traffic surfaces.

Hypochlorous acid has many benefits and safety aspects to make it a much better alternative to other disinfecting products. Bleach is a powerful disinfectant but can damage the skin, surfaces and bleach fabric. Ammonia based cleansers can irritate the respiratory system, irritate skin and make a dangerous chemical when mixed with bleach. Alcohol is an effective disinfectant but is highly flammable, can harm the skin and is ineffective on dirty surfaces. Chemical cleansing products include hormone disruptors such as sulfates, phthalates and perfumes.

Hypochlorous acid has many uses in skin care, including daily routine, acne, wounds healing, eczema and more.

1. Ingredient for Daily Skin Care: Daily skincare is the routine to regularly care for and treat the skin. Hypochlorous acid is an effective daily skincare product as a cleanser and toner to help remove pathogens (such as bacteria), moisturize and balance the skin to support the skin barrier and overall skin health.

2. Acne Treatment : Acne treatments are made to effectively neautralize bacteria that clog pores and cause breakouts. Does hypochlorous acid help acne? Yes, hypochlorous acid is very effective in removing harmful bacteria that lead to blemishes and breakouts while also calming redness and promoting healing. Hypochlorous acid can be used on bacne (back acne), breakouts and butt acne.

3. Wound Healing : Minor wounds are scrapes, cuts and rashes that break the skin barrier, opening the door to bacterial, fungal and viral infection. Hypochlorous acid is effective in killing these pathogens while calming irritation- promoting a more ideal environment for wound healing to occur.

4. Rosacea Relief : Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that includes redness, flushing, persistent irritation and visible blood vessels on the face. Rosacea can be caused by microbes, genetics, environmental triggers and irritation. Hypochlorous acid helps rosacea by the benefits of reducing irritation, helping eliminate microbes, balancing pH, moisturizing and accelerating recovery.

5. Eczema Management : Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness, irritation, inflammation, itching, dryness and open wounds. Eczema may be caused by genetics, allergies, microbes, irritants and genetics. Hypochlorous helps eczema by benefits of moisturizing, calming itch, reducing irritation and removing microbes (virus, bacteria and fungus) that can lead to infection and inhibit recovery.

6. Sunburn Soothing : Sunburns are a skin reaction of too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources of light that damages the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) causing a burn. HOCL helps reduce inflammation, ease the burning sensation, neutralizing free radicals, prevent infection, promote tissue regeneration while also hydrating the skin. Hypochlorous acid is effective at calming sunburns and helping the skin recover.

7. Irritation and Itching Relief : Irritation and itch are caused by chafing, allergies, bug bites and irritants. Itch is often caused by inflammation on the skin. HOCL helps itch by reducing the inflammatory response while soothing redness, swelling and irritation. Hypochlorous acid is effective in treating irritation, itch and bug bites. Hypochlorous acid benefits itch and irritation by calming the skin, removing bacteria, balancing pH and supporting the skin barrier.

8. Rash Treatment: Rashes are characterized by redness, irritation, raised skin or itch. Rashes can be caused by allergies, irritants, chafing, genetics, hormones, infection and environmental factors (sunburn, heat rash, chemicals). Hypochlorous acid is effective in handling rashes with the benefits of calming irritation, reducing itch and irritation, improved pH balance, moisturizing dry skin and supporting the skin barrier.

9. Eye Styes and Cysts : Styes (hordeola) and eye cysts are small, painful bumps on the eyelids. Styes are caused by bacterial infection in the oil glands (meibomain glands) at the base of the eyelashes that causes blockage, irritation and redness. Hypochlorous acid is effective in helping styes and cysts by killing bacteria, calming irritation and reducing redness. Benefits of hypochlorous acid for styes include itch and irritation relief, reduced inflammation and promoting healing.

10. Tattoo Healing : A tattoo is a permanent design, mark or pattern on the skin created by using a mechanical needle that injects ink deep into the dermis, the second layer of skin. Tattoos create inflammation and wounds that cause sensitivity and often scabbing. Healing tattoos requires cleaning, hydration, avoiding sunlight and avoiding infection. Tattoo healing takes 2-3 weeks for initial healing and up to 6 months to fully heal. Hypochlorous acid spray is effective in cleansing, hydrating, calming inflammation and the added benefit of promoting accelerated healing.

Hypochlorous acid is a superior antimicrobial ingredient due it’s natural origin, eco friendly components, skin safety and effectiveness. Benzoyl peroxide is a common antimicrobial ingredient for treating acne but can dry the skin and cause irritation in sensitive skin like all alcohol-based ingredients and formulas. Hypochlorous acid is gentle, non-drying, moisturizing and effective in killing bacteria. Hypochlorous acid cannot be mixed into creams and cleansers due to the stability of the product when introduced into formulas. HOCL is applied to the skin as a standalone product and allowed to dry before applying other products to avoid the HOCL from being neutralized.