Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
Due to regulatory guidelines, we are unable to list specific brand names on our website and have used replacement terms instead. To find out what these terms refer to, please contact us directly.
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What is Hypochlorous Acid and Should You Use It?

By SL Aesthetic Clinic
  • Published Date:
Last Updated:
July 25, 2025
Hypochlorous Acid for Skin Issues

TL;DR 

  • Hypochlorous acid is a substance your immune system naturally produces to fight off bacteria.
  • On the skin, it helps calm inflammation, redness and supports post-procedure recovery. 
  • Generally, if you have skin problems that are caused by bacteria/infection or chronic wounds, you can try to add hypochlorous acid to your skin care routine.
  • Otherwise, there is no significant benefit in using it if your skin is already healthy. 

Table of Contents

If you’ve been browsing skincare shelves or scrolling through social media, you may have come across hypochlorous acid sprays popping up everywhere. They’re marketed as gentle, soothing, and even miraculous.

If you struggle with sensitive skin, acne, or persistent redness, it can be tempting to try every new skincare promise.

But what exactly is hypochlorous acid? And more importantly, is it something you should be adding to your routine? Let’s walk through this together.

What Exactly Is Hypochlorous Acid?

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a substance your own immune system naturally produces. It plays a critical role in fighting off bacteria, viruses, and inflammation when your body detects an injury or infection. In simple terms, it’s part of your body’s first response team to keep you safe.

You can think of hypochlorous acid like a gentle firefighter, calmly extinguishing the small sparks of inflammation before they spread into bigger issues. And thanks to advancements in skincare, hypochlorous acid can now be safely used on the skin in the form of sprays and other topical products to kill bacteria and soothe inflammation.

This gentle, double-action effect is why it’s often used to support skin conditions like acne, eczema, and other types of irritation.

How Does Hypochlorous Acid Work on the Skin?

When applied topically, hypochlorous acid targets some of the key drivers of skin inflammation. It reduces inflammatory pathways, helps clear harmful microorganisms, and even modulates immune responses within the skin.

It can also offer protection against certain viruses, in addition to its ability to calm inflammation and gently regulate your skin’s immune responses.

Most importantly, studies also suggest that it’s well-tolerated, even on sensitive skin, with no reported serious side effects. Most skincare formulations use stabilised hypochlorous acid at concentrations between 50–200 ppm, which are generally considered safe and effective for topical use.

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Are Hypochlorous Acid Sprays Useful for Skin?

Hypochlorous acid sprays have gained popularity because of their broad versatility.

For many people, they may offer benefits such as:

  • Helping to calm irritated or inflamed skin
  • Acting as a gentle antibacterial option for acne-prone skin
  • Supporting wound healing for cuts, abrasions, or post-procedure recovery
  • Providing adjunct care for certain inflammatory conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and even rosacea

One popular example you may have come across is the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, which contains hypochlorous acid and is often marketed for calming redness, irritation, and breakouts. Many patients find sprays like this helpful for soothing mild inflammation and supporting barrier repair, especially when the skin feels reactive or sensitive.

That said, while hypochlorous acid may help calm mild inflammation, it is not a replacement for proper medical treatment in moderate to severe skin conditions.

If you have significant acne, persistent redness, or chronic skin issues, a comprehensive skincare management plan is still essential.

Can Hypochlorous Acid Damage the Skin Barrier?

In general, hypochlorous acid is considered very safe, especially when used in the properly stabilised, medical-grade formulations you’ll find in reputable products. In fact, one of the key attractions of HOCl is that it has a very low risk of causing irritation, barrier damage, or dryness compared to many other antibacterial agents.

However, as with any skincare ingredient, there are caveats. Overuse or the use of unstable formulations (unregulated versions from questionable sources) may risk disrupting your skin’s delicate microbiome or cause mild irritation in some individuals.

Remember that gentle doesn’t mean unlimited use. More is not always better, particularly for those with very compromised or sensitive skin barriers.

If you’re considering adding hypochlorous acid to your routine, always choose formulations from reputable, medically backed brands and use them as part of a thoughtfully curated routine. And as always, listen to your skin—if you experience any unexpected irritation, scale back and consult your doctor.

Can Hypochlorous Acid Manage Redness and Eczema?

While hypochlorous acid can play a helpful role in managing certain types of skin inflammation, redness, and eczema often require a more tailored approach, depending on the underlying cause.

Redness on the skin can stem from various causes such as rosacea, eczema, or post-inflammatory erythema, and each condition requires a slightly different approach to care.

Redness associated with rosacea:

  • Lifestyle management: This is always our starting point. Avoid triggers like extreme temperatures, alcohol, spicy foods, and harsh skincare products. Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and apply sunscreen diligently.
  • RF Gold Microneedling: This treatment utilises radiofrequency energy in conjunction with microneedling to stimulate collagen production, enhance skin texture, and reduce visible redness by strengthening the skin’s structure.
  • Rosacea laser: Laser therapy helps target the visible blood vessels and persistent facial redness associated with rosacea. It can significantly reduce flushing and visible capillaries.
  • HA Smooth injections: While often known for hydration and skin firming, HA Smooth‘s hyaluronic acid also helps modulate inflammation and improve skin resilience in rosacea-prone skin.

Redness associated with eczema:

  • Lifestyle management: Minimise exposure to known irritants or allergens, keep your skincare routine extremely gentle, and maintain adequate skin hydration. 
  • Topical treatments: During eczema flares, we may prescribe topical steroid creams to reduce inflammation and antihistamines to alleviate itching and allergic responses.
  • HA Smooth injections: In patients with eczema-prone dry skin (even when the skin appears calm), HA Smooth can deeply hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, reducing the risk of future flares.
  • Dermacare Facial: This facial offers gentle, soothing hydration and barrier support for sensitive, eczema-prone skin, complementing medical treatments.

When Might You Not Need Hypochlorous Acid?

While hypochlorous acid is generally safe and well-tolerated, it is not necessarily recommended as a routine product for everyone. If your skin is otherwise healthy, balanced, and free from ongoing inflammation or irritation, you may not require an additional step, such as HOCl sprays.

Overloading your skin with unnecessary products can do more harm than good. Instead, hypochlorous acid is more of a helpful adjunct for those actively dealing with inflammation, barrier disruption, or frequent breakouts, not a blanket solution for all skin types.

Continually assess whether your skin is genuinely in need of that extra support, and seek professional advice if you’re unsure.

A Gentle Closing Thought

Your skin is wonderfully complex, and sometimes, it just needs a little extra support.

While hypochlorous acid is not a miracle cure, it offers us a gentle, science-backed tool for managing certain types of inflammation without harsh side effects. But as always, the best skincare plan is one that’s thoughtfully tailored to you.

If you’re struggling with redness, sensitivity, or flare-ups that are affecting your confidence or comfort, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. With careful assessment, personalised treatment, and ongoing support, your skin can thrive with calm, lasting results.

As always, every skin is unique. Before adding any new ingredient to your regimen—especially if you have sensitive or compromised skin—it’s best to check with trusted skincare professionals like us. Contact us today.

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