What Is Hypochlorous Acid—And Is It Good for Skin?

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is safe for the skin and can be helpful like other skincare ingredients, such as salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid. HOCl has anti-inflammatory properties for skin and wounds but has also been proven effective against COVID due to its disinfecting properties.

In addition, there are minimal risks associated with HOCl, and you can use HOCl in different forms, like hypochlorous acid sprays. Read on for more about the versatile, good-for-your-skin ingredient.

What Is Hypochlorous Acid?

HOCl is available naturally and as an ingredient in products. "Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a natural-occurring molecule in the body created by our white blood cells to fend off infection, bacteria, and injury to the skin," Joel Schlessinger, MD, dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, and President of LovelySkin.com, told Health.

It is also one of the ingredients in bleach but is a safer alternative and common in many at-home cleaning products. Hypochlorous acid is made by electrically charging salt, water, and vinegar—a process called electrolysis—which is how companies are able to harness its disinfecting properties.

It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and made of hydrogen, oxygen, and chlorine. With its healing properties, it's no surprise that this versatile ingredient has applications in skin care and the healthcare industry.

Is Hypochlorous Acid Safe for Skin?

Yes—and HOCl is effective against bacteria and other microorganisms on the skin. This means that it can be used to treat various skin conditions, including acne and dermatitis. It breaks up the bacteria groupings, which can lead to fewer flare-ups and offer healing, Suzanne Friedler, MD, a dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology PC, told Health.

Side Effects and Risks

There have been no reported side effects related to using HOCl solutions. In other words, if you have sensitive skin and are cautious about introducing new ingredients into your routine, you don't have to worry about HOCl.

Because hypochlorous acid naturally occurs in the body, it is non-irritating and an ideal treatment for all skin types, said Dr. Schlessinger. It can address itchiness and reduce redness and flaking of the skin due to eczema, psoriasis, or acne, added Dr. Friedler.

How Is Hypochlorous Acid Used?

Hypochlorous acid is a diverse substance that can be used in many ways. HOCl can be used as a surface disinfectant, treatment for wounds, and facial sanitizer.

Surface Disinfectant

HOCl is effective as a disinfectant for surfaces. One study—that took place in an outpatient surgical office—found that rooms disinfected with HOCl had significantly lower bacterial counts compared to rooms that were disinfected using a standard disinfectant.

It is an effective disinfectant against COVID. The United States Environmental Protection Agency lists it as a disinfectant effective at killing COVID.

"A unique property of hypochlorous acid is its ability to enter the cell wall of a virus and react with the cell metabolism, so the cell starts to die," Jeanne Breen, MD, infectious disease physician and researcher, said.

SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID, is known as an envelope virus because it has a protective outer shell. Hypochlorous acid attacks that envelope, entering the cell, then deactivating the proteins necessary for the virus to survive, explained Dr. Breen.

Treatment for Wounds

HOCl is effective against all common bacteria and fungi that can infect wounds. Since hypochlorous acid kills bacteria that lead to infections (like staph infections), it also speeds up the healing process, Diane Madfes, MD, a New York-based dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, told Health.

Many hypochlorous acid products are used by doctors in hospital settings to keep surgery sites clean, Dr. Schlessinger said. They're used as disinfectants and as irrigants in surgery—meaning as solutions to clean cuts, burns, or open wounds.

Facial Sanitizer

While HCOl can be used as a hand sanitizer, it is also safe to use as a facial sanitizer. HOCl can help fight the bacteria on your skin and improve conditions like acne or dermatitis.

Cleansers, serums, and creams containing the acid are available through a dermatologist. You can also use a few over-the-counter hypochlorous acid sprays.

Facial sprays are portable and convenient. They help cleanse your skin while on the go and can combat maskne—acne from wearing masks. A HOCl spray can be used on your skin, hands, and reusable masks.

A Quick Review

Hypochlorous acid is a substance considered safe to use on your skin. That's partly because HOCl also exists naturally in the body as a product of white blood cells, which are part of the immune system.

In addition to skincare applications, hypochlorous acid is used in hospital settings for wound care and as a disinfectant that can destroy bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. This element makes HOCl different from other skincare ingredients.