What Is Hypochlorous Acid? And Why Should You Use It?

A tough-sounding acid that’s a superhero in the fight against COVID-19 and gentle enough to use on your face to treat acne? It might sound like the stuff of comic book legend, but it’s real and ready for your medicine cabinet.

The buzz surrounding hypochlorous acid (HOCl) grew by leaps and bounds over the past year given its verified power as a disinfectant against COVID-19.

The hard-core cleaner, however, is also gaining marquee status as an über-sensitive skin care product. For the story behind this miracle product, we turn to dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD.

What is hypochlorous acid?

Let’s start with a basic fact: HOCl exists in your body. It’s created by white blood cells as a defense system against infection, bacteria and general ickiness.

HOCl attacks invading pathogens, breaking down the cell walls before destroying unhealthy invaders. The antimicrobial acid is lethally effective in carrying out its protective mission. (Think of it as your own internal Batman.)

“It’s your body’s natural response to bacteria, and it is very effective at its job,” says Dr. Khetarpal.

So how does it end up being mass-produced for cleaning supplies and skin care products? Well, chemists long ago cracked the code to make HOCl by using electrolysis to break down a simple saltwater solution.

More recently, however, manufacturing advancements allowed HOCl to be made in larger quantities with longer shelf life – a key to more widespread use.

How hypochlorous acid benefits your skin

Skin is incredibly tough and durable – a necessity given its role as an outer barrier protecting your inner workings. That front-line role, however, leaves your skin vulnerable to cuts, scrapes and all the bad stuff it’s working to keep out.

Dr. Khetarpal says that HOCl offers your besieged skin a little backup by working to:

• Fight bacteria that causes clogged pores and acne.
• Speed up wound healing and repair damage.
• Combat inflammation and conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

The best part, though? HOCl is nontoxic and handles this hard work while being incredibly mild on your skin. That gentleness is a byproduct of it being naturally produced by your body’s immune system.

“It’s great for sensitive skin,” notes Dr. Khetarpal. “It’s not going to give you the dryness, burning or irritation of other products [such as alcohol].”

Ways to incorporate hypochlorous acid into your routine

When it comes to at-home use, HOCl typically delivers its benefits by the squirt. Sprays featuring the cleaning agent are widely available. Most are marketed for use on your face, with a focus on treating acne and eczema.

HOCl can be found in other forms, too, including creams and serums.

Products with HOCl can be incorporated into a daily skin maintenance routine to remove bacteria, says Dr. Khetarpal. Sprays also can be used as a quick-hit, on-the-go defense against COVID-19.

HOCl is not a substitute for a basic washing and scrubbing, though. Think of it more like an extra line of defense.

Are there dangers with using hypochlorous acid?

HOCl is billed as being 100x more powerful than bleach when it comes to fighting bacteria. (Yes, it’s that potent.) So knowing that, it’s really OK to mist the acid over your face without worrying about melting your skin?

“There really isn’t a risk,” says Dr. Khetarpal. “It’s safe to use.”

Dr. Khetarpal advises that you make sure to verify a product with HOCl is billed for skin care before using it on yourself. If you have sensitive skin, stay away from HOCl products with fragrance.

Avoid ingesting HOCl and keep it out of your eyes, says Dr. Khetarpal. Always follow instructions on the product, too.