If you struggle with irritation, redness, or acne, you know just how impossible it can feel to keep your skin calm, cool, and collected. As someone who has rosacea, I know better than anyone how one misstep—whether that's testing a new product that's a little too strong for my skin's liking or having the audacity to go out in hot or cold weather—can cause a flare-up. It's frustrating, to say the least.
Luckily, I have a certain skin-soothing and acne-reducing skincare ingredient in my arsenal. It's been a game changer for my skin, and for many others. Products that contain this do-it-all ingredient are trending all over Instagram and TikTok.
It's called hypochlorous acid, and it's in an ingredient that, up until now, has been fairly under the radar. Ahead, learn why dermatologists and cosmetic chemists swear by it for all skin types (especially sensitive and acne-prone ones). Plus, shop the best hypochlorous acid products.
What Is Hypochlorous Acid?
According to Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat.com, the recent popularity of hypochlorous acid can be traced back to the pandemic. "Hypochlorous acid grew in awareness and popularity during the pandemic given that it's used in household cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfectant products," he says. It has the ability to kill viruses and bacteria (including the COVID-19 virus).
While that might make you think it's scary or somehow not safe for use on the skin, think again. Robinson says it's used in extremely low levels in skincare products. What's more, it can benefit the skin in myriad ways.
Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology, agrees. "Hypochlorous acid is a substance that is an effective, gentle sanitizer," she says. "It's actually naturally produced by our own bodies—our white blood cells create it to defend us from invaders, making it a very important player in our immune systems. Because it's so gentle, it can be used by everyone, regardless of skin type." And she means it, too. It's so gentle it's even used on babies.
What Are the Benefits of Hypochlorous Acid?
Since it's essentially a sanitizing ingredient, hypochlorous acid can offer a multitude of benefits to the skin. "It fights acne-causing bacteria and helps keep skin clean, as well as soothing inflammation and supporting skin recovery," Yadav says. "It's great for everything from breakouts to bug bites and everything in between."
Robinson says that hypochlorous acid is a good ingredient to use to "fight acne, eczema, and psoriasis," and "may reduce inflammation and help skin heal." That's why it's considered safe and beneficial for all skin types, though especially red, irritated skin (like that of yours truly).
Hypochlorous acid is a key ingredient in many popular face mists. Why? Well, face mists allow you to get a quick skin refresh whenever you need it, whether that's during travel or after a sweaty workout. Since hypochlorous acid soothes the skin, reduces redness, and fights acne-causing bacteria, it's handy to use when you want to prevent acne and irritation but don't have access to a sink. It's no wonder these face mists have become so popular on Instagram and TikTok.
Are There Any Downsides or Drawbacks to Hypochlorous Acid?
Here's the best part about this ingredient. Both Yadav and Robinson say there are virtually no downsides or drawbacks to using hypochlorous acid in skincare products. It can also be used every day, which means you can use hypochlorous acid skincare products with abandon. As Yadav puts it, "It's hard to get much more natural and safe than hypochlorous acid."
The 8 Best Hypochlorous Acid Skincare Products
Robinson recommends this facial spray from Tower 28, which was one of the biggest, trendiest hypochlorous acid products to come out in recent years. It promises to soothe irritation, hydrate, and reduce redness.
Pair it with the brand's hypochlorous acid serum.
Personal Day's Hypochlorous Acid Spray has a fine mist that's perfect for quick refreshes throughout the day. Spray it on your skin post-workout, while traveling, or any other time you want a bacterial cleanse.
Redness, acne, excess oil, and irritation don't stand a chance against this mist. The gentle yet powerful formula visibly soothes skin with hypochlorous acid, zinc, arnica, and bentonite, kaolin, and montmorillonite clays.
A luxurious option, this lightweight and microbiome-friendly spray balances the skin's pH to boost the efficacy of serums, promote healing, and soothe irritation. It's safe for all skin types. I must say, this is a delight to travel with, and it keeps my skin clear, hydrated, and calm on long-haul flights.
Yadav recommends this face mist, which contains hypochlorous acid and was developed by a board-certified ophthalmologist. "It can actually be sprayed over open eyes, and anecdotally, I know it's been a game changer for people who suffer frequently from styes," she says. "The use is also wonderful for cleansing eyelash extensions, which can be a challenge to keep clean, as well as cleansing and refreshing skin without the need for washing one's face."
Another hypochlorous acid mist, this can be used multiple times per day to soothe skin irritations, remove sweat, and unclog pores. It can also be used on the face, chest, back, or anywhere else you need skin relief.
Even though this spray is marketed as an eyelid and eyelash spray, it can also be used over the entire face to reap all of the benefits of hypochlorous acid.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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