Hypochlorous Acid Is a Viral Skincare Ingredient That You Need To Pick Up This Year

While there’s no shortage of buzzy skincare ingredients out there, hypochlorous acid is one that’s quietly making its way into the spotlight and it’s about to become the next big thing in skincare.

You’ve probably seen it popping up in mists, serums, and even cleansers lately, but if you’re still wondering what the hype is all about, you’re not alone. This under-the-radar ingredient is suddenly everywhere, and beauty insiders can’t stop talking about it.

So, here’s everything you need to know about hypochlorous acid.

What Is Hypochlorous Acid?

Hypochlorous acid, or HOCl, is a weak acid with surprisingly powerful antimicrobial properties. Despite its name, it is gentle on the skin and can help reduce inflammation, calm acne breakouts, and soothe conditions such as eczema.

It is naturally produced by our immune system to fight infections, making it a safe and effective option for skin care.

What’s So Great About Hypochlorous Acid?

When it comes to incorporating hypochlorous acid into our skincare routines, there’s one thing you need to know: this antimicrobial ingredient is gentle on the skin and non-stripping.

Unlike alcohol or benzoyl peroxide, hypochlorous acid doesn’t dry out the skin and isn’t harsh on the complexion. Naturally occurring in the skin, HOCl is produced by our body’s white blood cells to fight pathogens and disinfect.

Since our bodies can’t always produce enough hypochlorous acid where it’s needed, skincare products give the skin an extra boost. And because it’s already a natural part of the skin, HOCl doesn’t need to be gradually introduced like some other active ingredients.

How To Use Hypochlorous Acid

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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

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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!

You can reach for a hypochlorous acid spray today and apply it to angry-looking acne spots or sunburned areas to soothe and heal. The best part is that hypochlorous acid is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.

Here’s what makes it especially great:

• Reduces skin inflammation: Calms redness and irritation
• Treats acne breakouts: Its antibacterial properties prevent and soothe pimples
• Soothes sensitive skin conditions: Helps with eczema, psoriasis, and other inflamed areas
• Supports wound healing: Encourages faster recovery after injuries, sunburn, or procedures
• Gentle yet effective: Safe for skin at the right concentration and works without harsh chemical effects

In short, hypochlorous acid is a versatile, safe, and surprisingly powerful ingredient that disinfects, soothes, and protects the skin.

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 S$25.90 (30ml) 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? Glowing skin and puss-free piercings – it’s the dream.

Briotech Topical Skin Spray retails for S$35.97 on Shopee.

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 S$49.87 on Amazon.

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 S$89 on Amazon.

Tower 28 SOS Intensive Rescue Serum

This lightweight serum is power-packed with a concentrated dose of stable hypochlorous acid so that you can soothe your skin in a 12-step skincare style. It’s for those of us who would pick the silky texture of serums over a light mist any time and target the problem areas on our skin.

Besides beauty junkies, doctors and dermatologists are also backing this magic hypochlorous acid-in-a-bottle, which allows anyone to access the antimicrobial ingredient for soothing skin easily.

So, whether you’ve got acne, rosacea, sensitive skin, or skin that’s healing for a procedure, snag this bottle of hypochlorous acid serum off the shelf and you’ll be flaunting soothed, smooth skin in no time.

Tower 28 SOS Intensive Rescue Serum retails for S$43.78 on Revolve. Shipping fees apply.

Featured image credit: tower28/Instagram 

Related read: 17 best eczema creams to soothe and hydrate dry, itchy, sensitive skin fast