If you’re having trouble keeping up with trending skin care products and deducing whether they’re actually worth incorporating into your routine, I don’t blame you.
But one ingredient that’s gone viral on TikTok is worth paying attention to: hypochlorous acid. It’s a soothing, potent antimicrobial — a “natural disinfectant” that’s found in our body’s white blood cells, according to Dr. Samer Jaber, a board-certified dermatologist at Washington Square Dermatology in New York City.
Similarly, Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell, told HuffPost in an email that hypochlorous acid calms inflammation and repairs the skin’s barrier.
Hypochlorous acid stands apart because of its wide breadth of applications, while being gentle and non-irritating enough for routine use. It can help treat eczema and dermatitis, reduce redness, calm breakouts and strengthen the skin barrier, particularly during cold, dry weather, according to both dermatologists. But hypochlorous acid “is so well tolerated that it is even used to treat blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelids,” Jaber said.
As an avid user of hypochlorous acid myself — I consider it more essential to my skin care routine than my moisturizer — you can’t go wrong incorporating this gentle yet hardworking ingredient into your lineup. I use it twice daily to calm my sensitive, cystic acne-prone skin and to cleanse my easily irritated eyelids. I also deal with periorial dermatitis, a facial rash that’s similar to rosacea, and hypochlorous acid is the only ingredient that I’ve found has made a noticeable difference for me besides oral medication. It’s so helpful for me that I make sure I never run out.
Garshick recommended applying hypochlorous acid products “after cleansing, prior to any serums or moisturizers” or “mid-day over makeup or post-workout.” Sprays make it extra easy to apply. And remember, as Jaber noted: “Start gradually and slowly when incorporating any ingredient into your skin care routine, including hypochlorous acid.”
We’ve rounded up the best hypochlorous acid products on the market, as recommended by dermatologists. Read on for our favorites.
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"It helps to strengthen and soothe the skin while helping to reduce redness and inflammation as well as skin sensitivity," Garshick said. "Because it also has antibacterial properties, it can be helpful for those dealing with breakouts and the spray formulation makes it a great option for post-workout. It can be used all year round."
It's also beloved by HuffPost editors, including shopping writers Tessa Flores and Lourdes Avila Uribe.
"I've been using the Tower28 spray for almost 6 months and have come to be absolutely dependent on it. I have combination, acne-prone skin that can be temperamental with seasonal changes and gets easily irritated, so I was hesitant to try a new ingredient. Luckily, my skin took to it immediately," said Uribe. "Not only does it help with hydration and give me a nice glow, but it has made a noticeable difference with my breakouts. I use it after workouts and after I wash my face in the evenings and feel fresh and clean."
Flores also uses Tower 28's hypochlorous acid spray daily. "I use this every morning and night between my skin care products to help trap in moisture and optimize absorption, as well as use [it] regularly on my hands whenever I feel [an eczema] flare-up coming along," she said.
This version is my personal favorite thanks to its purported stability and FDA-cleared formula. I keep a bottle on my vanity at all times and make sure to never run out!
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