Every now and then a “new” skin care ingredient bursts onto the scene (or your For You Page) and becomes the talk of the beauty world. Enter: Hypochlorous acid, a powerful yet gentle natural compound that is both widely used in sanitization and now a staple in many makeup bags. Let’s look into this anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial spray for the skin, find out why it’s so popular and explore some other options.
Key Takeaways:
- Hypochlorous acid is a naturally occurring, antimicrobial compound that helps kill bacteria, calm inflammation and support overall skin health.
- This gentle, non-toxic and antimicrobial spray is ideal for acne, redness, eczema and post-treatment care, making it suitable for even sensitive skin types.
- Lightweight and versatile, hypochlorous acid spray can be used anytime — post-workout, over makeup or throughout the day — to refresh and protect the skin.
- Alternatives to hypochlorous acid, like chamomile and stone crop mists, similarly soothe, hydrate, and balance the complexion while also delivering nutrients and antioxidants to the skin.
What Is Hypochlorous Acid?
Let’s start with the science. Hypochlorous acid exists in the body. Our own white blood cells generate this mild acid naturally to help defend against infections by killing bacteria, fungi, viruses and other invading pathogens by oxidizing and damaging their cell membranes and DNA. It’s also produced in labs and factories using electrolysis to break down a simple saltwater solution. An electrical current changes the molecular structure of salt, water and vinegar into two new ingredients: Sodium hydroxide, which is commonly used in cleaning products, and hypochlorous acid.
It has become popular recently for its many applications in skin care as it kills bacteria, calms inflammation and is highly effective for acne, eczema and irritation.
Beyond its use in skin care, it is a powerful, non-toxic and eco-friendly disinfectant and cleaner. It kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, up to 100 times more effectively than bleach and leaves no toxic residue, often requiring no rinsing. In other words, it’s safe for everything from children’s toys to surfaces that pets come in contact with. It has become a common antibacterial go-to in the years since COVID.
Dr. Hooman Khorasani, quadruple board-certified, fellowship-trained cosmetic and skin cancer surgeon, weighs in: "Hypochlorous acid is interesting because it's a molecule naturally produced by our immune cells to fight bacteria and support wound healing. In skin care, it functions as a gentle antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. It can be helpful for patients with acne, rosacea, perioral dermatitis or compromised skin, particularly after procedures or when the barrier is impaired." He says in clinical practice, it's used as a spray post laser resurfacing in order to prevent infection and speed up the healing process. And should everyone use it daily? Not necessarily. It is mostly viewed as a supportive tool rather than a mandatory tool. For patients with inflamed or compromised skin barrier function, however, it can be a gentle and useful addition.
What Does Hypochlorous Acid Spray Do for Your Skin?
Hypochlorous acid offers a rare combination: It’s extremely effective at killing pathogens (bacteria, viruses and fungi) while being gentle and safe for human skin. Because it is a light liquid, it’s most commonly delivered as a spray, making it easy to apply to the skin.
Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help defend the face from harmful bacteria reduce redness and soothe irritation. This makes it a powerful ally in the fight against acne, rosacea and eczema flare-ups.
Because it is naturally produced by white blood cells to fight infection, it’s highly compatible with the body, meaning chances of allergy, irritation other side effects are extremely low. it’s almost universally tolerated compared to some harsher active ingredients.
Fun Facts:
While it may be new to the skin care game, hypochlorous acid has been used in wound healing (dating back to WWI) because of its ability to calm inflammation and redness.
Because it kills bacteria on the skin, it’s also used as a gentle way to eliminate underarm odor by killing odor-causing bacteria rather than just masking them. It can refresh the area and control unpleasant smells, though it will not stop sweating as it is not an antiperspirant.
Spraying hypochlorous acid on other areas of the body that sweat — especially if a shower isn’t in the immediate post-gym plans — can help disinfect the skin to reduce the bacteria and other nastiness that can develop when sweaty clothes are in contact. This can reduce the risk of bacteria buildup and the incidence of acne on the back, chest, shoulders and other parts of the body where it can appear.
Using Hypochlorous Acid Spray on Your Face
The benefits of using hypochlorous acid spray on the face include:
- Soothes irritation and redness
- Supports acne-prone skin
- Helps calm and sanitize minor cuts and blemishes
- Works on sensitive skin
Another benefit of this multipurpose spray is that it can be used throughout the day. Because of its lightweight texture and viscosity (think water), it’s makeup-safe and refreshing. It can be spritzed on over your makeup and skin care to mitigate any bacteria or other gross stuff that can build up through the day without disrupting the look and balance of the skin.
And while it mixes well with most ingredients, hypochlorous acid should not be combined with vitamin C, as the pair can neutralize each other, reducing their effectiveness.
Alternatives to Hypochlorous Acid
While the benefits of hypochlorous acid spray are numerous, there are other mists that perform well on the skin and offer some of the same advantages, plus more. The number one reason hypochlorous acid spray is so popular is that it works so well with sensitive skin. Eminence Organic Skin Care has a wide selection of mists, sprays, toners and essences that address that issue and offer some extra complexion-loving perks.
These liquids are an important part of a skin care routine because they perform multiple functions. Like hypochlorous acid spray, they are able to balance the skin, remove impurities and provide a refreshing pick-me-up when spritzed throughout the day.
In addition, many are infused with ingredients that provide nutrients to the skin. From vitamins and antioxidants to adaptogens and postbiotics, these light liquids are enriched with so much good stuff and perform like true multitaskers for the face.
For sensitive skin in need of soothing and relief, chamomile is a go-to. As well as helping to calm inflamed or damaged skin (from things like rosacea, eczema, sunburns and rashes) its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce active breakouts and prevent future ones. It’s also great for aging skin as it’s rich in antioxidants, which helps keep the complexion looking plump and radiant. And, much like hypochlorous acid, chamomile has long been used in wound healing. If that wasn’t enough, it’s deeply hydrating too.
The Soothing Chamomile Tonique packs the punch of chamomile along with other skin-loving ingredients like comfrey root, vitamin-rich lemon, soothing aloe vera and calming lavender.
Our Hawthorn Tonique is another powerful spray that works well on dehydrated, irritated and sensitive skin. Made with Biodynamic® ingredients from Demeter International Certified Biodynamic® farms, this beautiful liquid tones and energizes the skin with chamomile, plus eucalyptus oil, marjoram, carrot and vitamin C-rich hawthorn.
Another nourishing and refreshing spray is the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist. Stone crop plants are succulents that are used in skin care to help with hydration, brightening and soothing the skin. They also reduce the appearance of redness due to dryness and revitalize the look of uneven skin tone. This best-selling spray also contains vitamin-rich jasmine and calming lavender.
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Your Burning Questions About Hypochlorous Acid Spray
Is hypochlorous acid safe for all skin types? Yes, hypochlorous acid is gentle, non-toxic and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Because it’s naturally produced by the body, it’s typically well-tolerated with minimal risk of irritation.
Can hypochlorous acid help with acne? Hypochlorous acid helps reduce acne by killing acne-causing bacteria, calming inflammation and supporting the skin barrier, making it a great option for breakouts and prevention.
How often can you use hypochlorous acid spray on your face? It can be used daily and even multiple times a day. Its lightweight, water-like formula makes it ideal for refreshing skin, post-workout use or re-applying over makeup.
Does hypochlorous acid replace toner or cleanser? Hypochlorous acid can act as a gentle antimicrobial mist but doesn’t fully replace a cleanser. It can complement your routine by helping remove bacteria, soothe skin and balance the complexion.
What are alternatives to hypochlorous acid for sensitive skin? Soothing facial mists with ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera or stone crop, which help calm irritation, hydrate the skin and improve overall skin tone.
Are you interested in finding out more about which toner, mists and essences are right for you? Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner.
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