Skincare is full of trending ingredients, but hypochlorous acid is quietly gaining attention and looks set to be the next big thing.
You might have noticed it appearing in mists, serums, and cleansers recently, but if you’re still wondering why everyone’s buzzing about it, you’re not the only one. This low-key ingredient is suddenly everywhere, and beauty experts can’t stop raving.
So, here’s everything you need to know about hypochlorous acid.
What is Hypochlorous Acid?
Source: tower28beauty/Instagram. Using a hypochlorous acid-infused spray, before/after.
Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid with strong antimicrobial properties, which means it can be used to reduce skin inflammation, treat acne breakouts, and even soothe eczema on the skin.
If you’ve taken to wiping every germ-filled surface with Clorox wipes ever since the pandemic hit, then you’re already partially acquainted with this anti-bacterial ingredient.
This not-so-secret ingredient in Clorox wipes (Clorox, hypochlorous?), hypochlorous acid isn’t only used to disinfect surfaces; it’s also used on open wounds (though not in Clorox wipe form, for sure) to promote healing, and by dermatologists on the skin before they perform skin-barrier-breaking procedures like laser treatments.
What Is So Great About Hypochlorous Acid?
Hypochlorous acid is a gentle, non-stripping antimicrobial ingredient that works well for all skin types. Unlike alcohol or benzoyl peroxide, it won’t dry out or irritate the skin. Naturally produced by our white blood cells, HOCl helps fight pathogens and disinfect, but skincare products provide an extra boost where it’s needed.
Since it’s already present in the skin, similar to hyaluronic acid, hypochlorous acid can be used immediately without a gradual introduction. You can apply it directly to acne spots, sunburned areas, or irritated skin to soothe inflammation and support healing.
Here’s a clear breakdown of its benefits:
- Disinfects the skin
- Reduces inflammation
- Encourages faster healing
- Helps with sunburn, acne breakouts, eczema, and psoriasis
- Suitable for all skin types
How To Use Hypochlorous Acid?
@charinecheungg Hypochlorous acid is everyone’s fav new skincare ingredient… so here’s how to use it properly so you get the results you want instead of breaking out more!!! ft @Tower 28 Beauty @Honeydew Labs Skincare #hypochlorousacid #sosspray #tower28sosspray #skincaretips #acnetips
Hypochlorous acid can be infused into a myriad of skincare products including cleansers, serums, and moisturisers but, right now, this soon-to-be-buzzy ingredient is most commonly available in sprays.
Adopted into a skincare routine, it should look like this: cleanser, hypochlorous acid spray, other skincare products, and then moisturiser. You can spray it over your face in a light layer to help with disinfection and reducing inflammation, and carry on with the rest of your routine as per normal.
For targeted use on acne spots, itchy eczema skin, or sunburnt areas, just reach for the hypochlorous acid spray and spritz, spritz, and spritz again!
Best Hypochlorous Acid Products
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
The most popular hypochlorous acid spray is none other than Tower 28’s SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray!
This skin-soothing spray is designed to be used in place of toner, and its star ingredient, HOCL, of course, is what really helps to reduce redness and irritation.
Stamped with the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance™, you can be sure that this one’s safe to use on all skin types. Plus, how cute is that orange spritz bottle?
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray retails for RM210 (120ml) on Shopee.
Briotech Topical Skin Spray
Made with only two ingredients, the Briotech Topical Skin Spray features electrolysed saline salt water alongside the hero ingredient, hypochlorous acid. And, because it boasts a pared-down ingredient list, this hypochlorous acid spray’s the perfect match for those with super sensitive skin.
Did you know that besides calming skin irritation, this spray can also be directed onto piercings or new tattoos to disinfect and promote healing? Glowy skin and puss-free piercings – it’s the dream.
Briotech Topical Skin Spray retails for RM243 on Ninth Avenue. Shipping fees apply.
Curativa Bay Advanced Hypochlorous Skin Spray
If you’ve tried a hypochlorous acid skincare spray before but still suffered from redness and irritation, hypochlorous acid isn’t a likely culprit but another ingredient on the list might be.
It’s why those with sensitive skin should reach for a hypochlorous acid spray that’s fragrance-free, just like the one from Curativa Bay.
Curativa Bay’s Advanced Hypochlorous Skin Spray is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and preservative-free, even as it stars antimicrobial hypochlorous acid – it’s a soothing solution that even your sensitive skin will love!
Curativa Bay Advanced Hypochlorous Skin Spray retails for RM128 on Ubuy. Shipping fees apply.
OCuSOFT Hypochlor Hypochlorous Acid Solution Spray 0.02%
Suitable for the most delicate parts of your face, the eye area, the OCuSOFT Hypochlor Hypochlorous Acid Solution Spray 0.02% can be spritzed directly onto the eyelids – with your eyes closed, of course – to improve conditions like eczema or even Demodex infestation (face mites).
Since dermatologists and ophthalmologists have recommended this over-the-counter hypochlorous acid spray, it’s one that’s worth a shot.
OCuSOFT Hypochlor Hypochlorous Acid Solution Spray 0.02% retails for RM140 on Rose Optometry. Shipping fees apply.
Featured image credit: tower28/Instagram
