Everything You Need To Know About Hypochlorous Acid, A Summer Skin Hero
How annoying is it having combination skin this time of year? You might be feeling dry from the air conditioning, while the heat and sweat are also triggering breakouts. You don’t want to treat the pimples with an overly-drying spot treatment for fear that you’ll end up making the situation worse. But something’s gotta give.
Chronic dryness with the occasional breakout is my personal skin-type POV, but I was recently introduced to a very if-you-know-you-know antibacterial ingredient that helped me handle dryness and acne in tandem — a multifunctional wound-healer that’s on the rise in skincare. I’m talking about hypochlorous acid.
What is hypochlorous acid?
Similar to hyaluronic acid, hypochlorous acid is a natural substance made by your body. While the function of hyaluronic acid is to retain water to keep your skin hydrated, hypochlorous acid is a natural disinfectant, made by the white blood cells in our body to fight pathogens.
So what is its function in topical skincare? Some dermatologists use hypochlorous acid spray on the skin before and after a procedure that will disrupt the skin barrier — like an injection, laser, or peel — to lessen the chances of a wound, redness, or reaction. “In my medical clinic, I use it to prep the skin before injecting someone with Botox,” explains dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD. She continues, “It’s shown to be much less irritating and equally as effective as chlorhexidine [an antiseptic], which is how we normally prep the skin before a procedure. Even post procedure, I find [hypochlorous acid] soothing on the skin, while still being cleansing.”
Unlike a disinfectant with alcohol, hypochlorous acid is a natural derivative, which makes it safe for all skin types and a range of skin concerns, including eczema, cystic acne caused by clogged pores, and post-procedure sensitivities, all of which are rooted in inflammation. “Hypochlorous acid is fantastic,” adds NYC dermatologist Hamza D. Bhatti, DO, FAAD. “It works really well [for] eczema. When you have a break in the skin barrier from the scratching and itching, your antimicrobial properties are lower, so you’re more prone to infections. This acts like an antibiotic.” Even better? It’s OTC.
How do you use hypochlorous acid?
You’ll really only find hypochlorous acid in a face mist form, which is nice because it’s easy to apply and less concentrated than a cream or ointment. You can spray it on your skin in place of a face toner (after face wash and before any serum or moisturizer). You can also use it on the body, with hypochlorous acid fans saying it helps prevent post-gym breakouts.
During a recent skincare elimination forced by an allergic reaction to high-strength vitamin C, hypochlorous acid spray was my only form of skincare for about a week. I spritzed it on my face for three days straight, and not only was it incredibly soothing, but my red and rashy skin healed fast. Disclaimer: There is a naturally occurring smell of chlorine — it’s a little bit like a swimming pool — but it’s faint and harmless. Like the beloved SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic that some people say smells like hotdog water, it’s part of the experience.
If you’re dealing with active acne, Dr. Bhatti recommends spraying your hypochlorous acid right on top. But again, you don’t have to worry about over-drying because there’s no oil-stripping happening. I’d also recommend using it anytime you have a skin barrier disruption or flare-up. A new piercing? Spray it. An itchy spot on your neck? Spray it. A nick at your cuticle? Spray it. A chin pimple? You know what to do. One off-label use I like: dampen your Beautyblender with a little hypochlorous acid spray to ensure you’re not spreading bacteria as you blend your concealer or contour.
What are the best hypochlorous acid face mists?
Hypochlorous acid is no longer a budding ingredient with brands like Medicube and e.l.f. Cosmetics all recently launching face mists. Without further ado, these are the best ones to shop, according to Refinery29 editors.
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Even if you haven’t heard of hypochlorous acid before now, you’ve likely seen the very popular Tower 28 SOS Spray, which has hypochlorous acid as its key ingredient (alongside saltwater). Hundreds of satisfied reviewers report that it has cleared their skin, and there are a handful of very impressive before/afters. Brand founder Amy Liu created it as a soothing face mist for sensitive skin — it’s actually certified by the National Eczema Association and safe enough to use on a baby’s diaper rash — but we know people with oily skin who use it to refresh their face throughout the day. It comes in an XL bottle, too.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Save Your E.L.F. Hypochlorous Mist
e.l.f. Cosmetics is the latest brand to tap into the hypochlorous acid hype, and, impressively, its new spray is just $12 for 100ml. The brand highlights four key benefits: soothing stressed and inflamed skin, calming sensitivity, reducing visible redness, and being especially suitable for acne-prone skin, thanks to its ability to target acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface. The mist is ultra-fine, so it delivers an even, veil-like spritz.
Medicube Hypochlorous Acid Daily Facial Spray
Medicube’s hypochlorous acid mist is a little different from others, thanks to a formula packed with additional skin-friendly ingredients. Most notably, niacinamide helps hydrate the skin while also reducing excess oil and the appearance of enlarged pores, while soothing allantoin and panthenol support comfort and moisture. It also contains antibacterial tea tree, making it especially appealing for acne-prone skin. We like to mist it post-cleanse, as well as over skincare devices like LED masks and red-light wands to help keep them clean.
Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray With Hypochlorous Acid
Mario Badescu’s Repairing Facial Spray contains just water, sodium chloride, and hypochlorous acid to help reduce bacteria on the skin. The mist casts a wide, even net over the face and dissipates quickly, leaving skin feeling fresh rather than parched or tight.
Magic Molecule Hypochlorous Acid Spray
Magic Molecule’s Hypochlorous Acid Spray has thousands of five-star reviews, and for good reason. It’s formulated to help with cuts and grazes, breakouts, eczema, and even sunburn. One reviewer calls it a “staple for the home”, while others praise its ability to reduce post-workout pimples, soothe itchy bug bites and support faster healing for piercings. It’s a true all-rounder.
Bubble Clean Landing Daily Purifying Spray
Water and hypochlorous acid are the only ingredients in Bubble’s Clean Landing Daily Purifying Spray, which feels instantly refreshing and cooling on the skin. It’s even better when kept in the fridge on hot days, and in sweaty weather it can help prevent sweat-induced breakouts across the body — not just the face — making it popular for use on the back, legs, and arms.
OCuSOFT HypoChlor Hypochlorous Acid Solution 0.02%
If you’re shopping for a hypochlorous acid spray on Amazon or you’re getting a recommendation by a dermatologist or doctor (eye or otherwise), you might be pointed towards OCuSoft HypoChlor Spray. Spate identifies OCuSoft as the market leader in the hypochlorous acid space.
Twenty/Twenty Beauty Easy On The Eyes Daily Hygiene Facial Spray
When we asked Dr. Yadav what OTC hypochlorous acid she recommends to her patients, she points to this one by Twenty/Twenty. “Eczema and rosacea can involve the skin around your eyes,” explains Dr. Yadav. “Some people complain of dandruff on the eyelids, more frequent styles, and inflammation of the eyes. For all of that, it fits nicely to think about the eye area and a hypochlorous acid that’s ophthalmologist tested.”
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