Hypochlorous Acid: The Viral Skincare Ingredient Dermatologists Swear By
If you are struggling to keep up with trending skincare products and determine whether they are truly worth adding to your routine, you are not alone. However, one ingredient that has gone viral on TikTok deserves your attention: hypochlorous acid. This soothing, potent antimicrobial, often called a natural disinfectant, is found naturally in the body's white blood cells, according to Dr. Samer Jaber, a board-certified dermatologist at Washington Square Dermatology in New York City.
What Makes Hypochlorous Acid Unique?
Similarly, Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell, explained in an email to HuffPost that hypochlorous acid calms inflammation and repairs the skin's barrier. It stands apart due to its wide range of applications while being gentle and non-irritating enough for daily use. Both dermatologists note it can help treat conditions like eczema and dermatitis, reduce redness, calm breakouts, and strengthen the skin barrier, especially during cold, dry weather.
Jaber added that hypochlorous acid is so well tolerated it is even used to treat blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelids. As an avid user myself, I consider it more essential to my skincare routine than moisturizer. I use it twice daily to calm my sensitive, cystic acne-prone skin and cleanse my easily irritated eyelids. I also deal with periorial dermatitis, a facial rash similar to rosacea, and hypochlorous acid is the only ingredient besides oral medication that has made a noticeable difference for me.
How to Use Hypochlorous Acid
Garshick recommended applying hypochlorous acid products after cleansing, prior to any serums or moisturizers, or mid-day over makeup or post-workout. Sprays make application extra easy. Jaber cautioned to start gradually and slowly when incorporating any new ingredient into your skincare routine, including hypochlorous acid.
Top Hypochlorous Acid Products on the Market
We have rounded up the best hypochlorous acid products as recommended by dermatologists. Read on for our favorites.
Tower 28 SOS Hypochlorous Acid Spray
Jaber noted that Tower 28 is probably the most well-known and well-marketed hypochlorous acid spray. Garshick said it helps strengthen and soothe the skin while reducing redness, inflammation, and sensitivity. Its antibacterial properties make it helpful for breakouts, and the spray formulation is ideal for post-workout use. HuffPost editors, including shopping writers Tessa Flores and Lourdes Avila Uribe, also love it. Uribe shared that after six months of use, it has made a noticeable difference with breakouts and hydration. Flores uses it daily to trap moisture and optimize absorption, as well as for eczema flare-ups.
Tower 28 SOS Serum for Sensitive Skin
Designed for chronically sensitive skin, this serum acts as a more intensive soothing treatment than the spray. I depend on it for fast-acting relief for breakouts and itchy dermatitis flare-ups all over my body, including lips and feet. Reviewers note the packaging could be improved, as the water-based serum tends to shoot out horizontally, but I have found it manageable by holding my hand sideways to catch the product.
Prequel Universal Skin Solution
Garshick is a fan of Prequel's hypochlorous acid spray, which is accepted by the National Rosacea Society. It contains hypochlorous acid, electrolyzed water, and a soothing mineral concentrate to calm irritated skin, support the skin barrier, and improve hydration. It is fragrance-free and safe for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. A reviewer named Jess praised it as an all-in-one product for clear, moisturized skin.
Magic Molecule The Solution
Garshick explained that this product helps soothe skin from sunburns, irritation, cuts, or scrapes by reducing bacteria, redness, and calming the skin. It is my personal favorite due to its stability and FDA-cleared formula, with a two-year shelf life. I keep a bottle on my vanity at all times. A reviewer shared it helped soothe their toddler's Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease, making it a must-have.
Active Skin Repair Hydrogel
This non-spray option offers a watery formula similar to Tower 28's serum, with a squeeze-to-dispense method that reviewers find effective. Gentle and antimicrobial, it is accepted by the National Eczema Association and is FSA- and HSA-eligible. Active Skin Repair also offers a stable hypochlorous acid spray. Reviewers like Sarah and Joc noted it helps heal acne quickly and is gentle on the skin.
Briotech Hypochlorous Spray
Jaber noted that Briotech and SkinSmart options are similar to Tower 28's spray at a lower price point. Briotech's spray, made with deionized water, pure salt, and hypochlorous acid, soothes irritated, red skin and is popular for healing piercings. A reviewer called it a great sanitizer and antiseptic for preventing zits.
SkinSmart Wound Therapy Spray
Another budget-friendly pick, SkinSmart's version contains 0.18% hypochlorous acid, ionized water, and salt to target bacteria without disrupting healing, useful for acne, rashes, or cuts. Reviewers like Kitty and Andrew Baker praised it for healing infections and soothing diaper rashes.
Loma Lux Eczemol Spray
Garshick recommended Loma Lux's Eczemol spray for soothing irritated skin and healing inflammation. FDA-cleared for atopic dermatitis, burns, and radiation dermatitis, it improves healing, reduces bacteria and inflammation, and calms itching. It can be used twice daily and is safe for all ages.
