5 Benefits of Hypochlorous Acid for Acne-Prone Skin

What’s behind all the hype around hypochlorous acid? Is it a viral TikTok trend, a cleansing ingredient, or a new skincare superstar? It’s all of the above. Beauty fans and creators have sworn by this new skincare savior and are carrying their hypochlorous acid sprays wherever they go, convinced of its healing powers.

In case your skin needs a new potent acid that cleanses and repairs – and gently, too! – then it might be worth incorporating hypochlorous acid into your daily routine. Know more about what’s behind the buzz on this rising star and its supposed skincare benefits.

Hypochlorous acid (or HOCl, its chemical formula) is a naturally occurring substance in your body’s immune response. It protects your skin against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Think of HOCl as your body’s natural disinfectant, helping heal cuts and wounds, prevent breakouts and infection, and soothe inflammation and irritation.

Hypochlorous acid can also be made synthetically with a mixture of salt, water, and vinegar, combined in a process called electrolysis. Applied topically to your skin through a hypochlorous acid spray, it can replicate the natural healing abilities of your body and help keep your skin clean and germ-free.

Stabilized and pH-neutral formulations are used in topical applications of HOCl. You can buy hypochlorous acid facial sprays from reputable brands in the market.

Don’t be fooled by the “acid” in its name. While hypochlorous acid is effective enough to treat skin issues like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, a study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology states that topical HOCl is well-tolerated and safe, with no reports of adverse effects. It’s mild and gentle on the skin, making it suitable to use every day and on every skin type. Here are some of the ways it can help your skin:

Hypochlorous acid gently wipes out acne-causing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, preventing new breakouts and helping existing ones heal faster. It provides a thorough cleanse without disrupting your skin’s natural pH balance.

Goodbye, inflammation, irritation, and itchiness! Be it redness, puffiness, or a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, hypochlorous acid helps calm your skin – so you’re not tempted to scratch or pick on it, which can further aggravate the flare-ups.

Hypochlorous acid is antimicrobial, making it effective in eliminating bacteria. Since bacteria on the skin react to sweat, causing body odor, HOCl is also being used for its deodorizing properties. Some brands offer gym sprays using hypochlorous acid as its main ingredient. Used on your underarms or your body after a workout, it can help prevent bacterial growth that can cause odor buildup or breakouts.

You can also use your hypochlorous acid spray to help disinfect communal surfaces to make sure it’s free from germs that can infect your skin. Fun fact: A 2020 study called “Hypochlorous Acid: A Review,” published by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, states that it considers HOCl to be a great disinfectant against COVID-19, used as a surface cleanser, a mouth rinse, a hand sanitizer, and a wound cleaner.

It can be used as an all-around remedy to heal almost any skin concern, whether it’s sunburn or flare-ups. Its anti-fungal properties can also help treat wounds and scars faster.

Given all its potential benefits, it’s no wonder hypochlorous acid has fast become an ‘it’ ingredient in skincare and body hygiene essentials, such as facial sprays or mists and hand sanitizers.

If your goal is to treat acne, look for HOCl-infused products that are also fragrance-free to avoid skin irritation. After cleansing, pat your face dry and spritz on some hypochlorous acid. Follow up with a moisturizer with barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides or niacinamide.

You can opt to use a hypochlorous acid spray in the morning, then follow with POND’S Bright Miracle Ultimate Clarity Day Serum to support your skin’s repair process and boost clarity, glow, and evenness. You can also alternate between an HOCl spray and your POND’S serum every other day. Then, lock in all the good stuff with POND’S Bright Miracle Day Cream, which helps fade dark spots and sun spots while providing SPF 30 PA+++ coverage for clearer, stronger skin.

Lastly, hypochlorous acid can also be used on your body. After a shower, pat your skin dry, then spray on some HOCl, particularly on areas like your armpits. Then apply a moisturizing lotion for a hydration boost.

Are the benefits of hypochlorous acid too good to resist? Try incorporating it into your daily regimen for a month to six weeks to see if it makes any difference on your skin. You can also speak with your dermatologist to make sure that the HOCl doesn’t interfere with the regimen you’re already on. That way, you can safely use it while maximizing its cleansing, soothing, and skin-healing potential!