You may have been hearing about hypochlorous acid lately in the beauty space. With SkinTok (TikTok’s skincare sub-community) churning out a new trend every millisecond, it can be hard to keep track of the current must-have products. That’s why it’s important to do your research to make sure whatever is being promoted is actually helping your skin—not harming it. So, what’s the hype around hypochlorous acid? And more importantly, is it safe for your skin?
The simple answer is yes. Here’s why this ingredient might help address your skin concerns, ranging from redness and dryness to itchiness. This super ingredient is trending for good reason, and here’s what you need to know:
What Does Hypochlorous Acid Do?
Hypochlorous acid—also referred to as HOCl—is known for doing two main things: protecting your skin against infection by killing bacteria, and reducing inflammation. In fact, your body naturally produces hypochlorous acid through your white blood cells. When incorporated into skincare, it mimics the body’s own process for fighting pathogens.
Studies have shown that hypochlorous acid can be up to 100 times more effective than bleach at disinfecting surfaces—all while remaining non-toxic to humans. This makes it an amazing ingredient you can seamlessly add to your skincare routine.
How Does Hypochlorous Acid Improve My Skin?
One of the biggest benefits of hypochlorous acid is its ability to help manage acne by targeting bacteria caused by contact dermatitis or localized breakouts. This is why it’s often recommended to spritz hypochlorous acid not just on your face, but also on things you frequently touch—like masks, makeup tools, glasses, and hats.
If you’re prone to breakouts, using hypochlorous acid regularly in your skincare and hygiene routine can significantly reduce how often they occur. Applying it post-workout is another smart move—it helps prevent bacteria from spreading and tackles the breakouts caused by sweat and debris during intense activity.
Hypochlorous acid also speeds up the healing of wounds and irritation in the skin, making it an effective option for post-tattoo care. Other inflammatory skin issues—like redness, dryness, and itchiness—are additional reasons to consider including it in your daily regimen. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe skin conditions without the dryness you get from many alcohol-based products. Even temporary inflammation, such as sunburn or irritation from exfoliating, can benefit from hypochlorous acid. This makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin.
Hypochlorous acid is becoming popular in skincare for good reason. Its ability to kill bacteria—within a minute, unlike many germicides that take 10 minutes or more—and its gentle, non-irritating qualities make it a must-have in your beauty routine.
Bare Boo’s Mist My Skin is an excellent introduction if you’re new to hypochlorous acid or simply want to restock. Made with high-quality ingredients, this skin mist gives you the boost you need to elevate your skincare routine and address long-standing inflammation concerns.