By
Klayton Renfro
Apr 28, 2025
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It started with a skin mutiny…
My face didn’t just break out—it staged a coup. Red, raged, and flaking like a croissant, my skin had had enough. No cleanser could coax it back into compliance. Barrier creams bounced off. Even my lactose-loving heart gave up cheese in desperation. Still, nada.
I didn’t expect anything to work at this point, but I started seeing this ingredient pop up in derm circles and TikTok comment sections alike—so I gave it a shot. Hypochlorous acid might sounds like a Marvel villain but it turned out to be more of a gentle therapist for my fed-up skin barrier.
What is hypochlorous acid, and why does it sound like a villain?
HOCl isn’t new. It’s been used in hospitals for decades, but in 2025, it’s finally having its glow-up moment—jumping from first-aid kits to top-shelf toner status. According to the National Institutes of Health, hypochlorous acid is a powerful oxidizing agent naturally produced by neutrophils that helps control infections and inflammation.
But in 2025? It’s finally having its glow-up moment, making the leap from first-aid kits to top-shelf toner status. And honestly? It's about time.
HOCl isn’t new. It has been used in hospitals and for wound care for decades because it kills bacteria effectively while being gentle on the skin. But in 2025? It’s finally having its glow-up moment, making the leap from first-aid kits to top-shelf toner status. And honestly? It's about time.
Plot twist: it’s the opposite. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl, if we’re getting nerdy) is something your white blood cells naturally produce to fight infection and reduce inflammation. Science calls it an “endogenous antimicrobial agent.”
It has even been shown in clinical research to accelerate wound healing by reducing the bacterial load and supporting tissue regeneration, as published on PubMed. I call it a barrier whisperer.
Unlike salicylic acid or even niacinamide (which I love but sometimes hate me back), HOCl doesn’t exfoliate, sting, or overwhelm your skin. It gently disinfects, soothes, and calms, even when your skin is going through a breakdown.
For me, it wasn’t just about what the studies claimed but the way my skin actually responded. The flaking stopped. The redness faded. And for the first time in weeks, my acne-prone, rosacea-prone skinbarrier felt like it could breathe again.
Why your skin barrier will love hypochlorous acid
Hailey Brickman, PA-C, a dermatology physician assistant, also notes: “Hypochlorous acid appears to be a valuable ingredient in the treatment and prevention of various dermatological conditions such as acne and certain inflammatory disorders.”
Most sprays claim they’ll calm you down. This one does, without the side of dehydration, tightness, or that dreaded post-mist sting. It’s less like a treatment and more like a sigh of relief for your skin.
“I see so many uses for it. After the gym, after sweating, they can use it just to gently spray on their face and boom, they've cleansed (and) haven't needed a sink,” said Dr. Sheila Maguiness, a board-certified dermatologist, in a CBS article.
Let's talk product: What’s the best hypochloras acids on the market
Once I realized HOCl was the real deal, I did what any product-loving skincare nerd would do, I tested every mist, spray, and clinical-looking bottle I could find. Here are my top picks in no particular order:
🧴 Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray ⭐ Editor’s Choice
If hypochlorous acid had a main character moment in skincare, this would be it. The Tower 28 SOS Spray is hyped up for good reason—it's clinically tested, dermatologist-approved, and lives up to its 'calm your skin down now' branding. The mist is ultra-fine, which means you’re not getting splashed in the face like a garden hose. Instead, it settles like a whisper.
Insider insight: "If your skin is tired of treatments that overpromise and overstimulate, this is the peace treaty your face deserves."
No fragrance, no alcohol, and no unnecessary fluff—just a clean, pH-balanced mist that visibly reduces redness and irritation within minutes. It’s perfect for acne-prone, eczema-prone, or post-treatment skin. One bottle lasts a long time and fits into any routine (or gym bag). And yes, it plays nicely with makeup.
Where to buy:
👁️ Avenova Antimicrobial Spray
Initially designed for eyelid hygiene, Avenova Spray is one of those surprisingly versatile gems. The medical-grade formulation is FDA-cleared, and although it has a slightly clinical scent, it’s safe around the eyes, nose, and mouth. I use this on days when my skin feels extra reactive, especially after long work days, mask-wearing, or allergy flare-ups.
The bottle isn’t fancy, but don’t let that fool you. It tackles bacteria gently without stripping moisture. I love it as a midday refresher or for targeted care after threading, shaving, or picking (we’ve all been there). It’s slightly pricier than most sprays, but you’re paying for purity and trust.
Insider scoop: "I toss it in my gym bag, use it post-wax, and even spray it after threading when my skin is feeling spicy. It’s become that low-key essential I didn’t know I needed—until I ran out."
Where to buy:
🌿 Briotech Topical Skin Spray
If you're looking for a no-frills, budget-conscious hypochlorous acid option that’s still legit, Briotech Topical Skin Spray is a solid pick. It’s made in the USA, backed by scientific data, and comes in a generous bottle. It feels more like a light splash than a mist—so don’t expect the luxurious cloud that Tower 28 gives you—but it works
The formula is clean, cruelty-free, and often used for post-procedure care or stubborn breakouts. I keep a bottle in my skincare fridge and use it on both face and body. It’s not the sexiest product on your shelf, but it gets the job done, especially if you need a refill without draining your skincare fund.
My experience: "It’s what I reach for after late nights, sweaty garden days, or anytime my skin’s being dramatic and I need it to chill out. Bonus: my husband’s even stolen it after shaving."
Where to buy:
Still confused? Here’s a summary of how our teams top picks stack up against each other:
For even better results, I layer it with my go-to tranexamic acid routine and my forever fave Torriden Dive-In Toner. Together, they’re my Golden Calm Combo—hydrating, soothing, and quietly effective without hijacking your whole routine.
How to use hypochlorous acid (without overthinking it)
No matter which one you try, hypochlorous acid is only as good as where it fits into your routine. Here’s how I use it for maximum calm without any overthinking.
Routine flow:
🌿 Cleanser → Hypochlorous Acid Mist → Hydrating Toner → Serums → Moisturizer → SPF (AM)
You can also:
- Mist midday if you’ve been in a dusty or polluted environment
- Spray after hair removal, workouts, or long flights
- Use on body breakouts or even diaper rash (yes, it’s that gentle)
☀️ Pro tip: Yes, it feels like water. No, it’s not just water. Hypochlorous acid is skincare’s soft-spoken overachiever. Store it out of direct sunlight—some formulas are light-sensitive and can lose potency.
That’s the beauty of it—it plays well with others. But just in case you’re wondering if it’s for you…
Who shouldn’t use it?
Honestly? Not many. This isn’t an exfoliant, so it won’t resurface or lighten scars. If you’re looking for dramatic peeling or texture correction, this isn’t your girl.
But if you want something that feels like a sigh of relief for reactive, hormonal, PCOS-ridden, easily-annoyed skin, hypochlorous acid is that girl.
TL;DR – The gentle warrior your skin deserves
If your skin's been through it—like really through it—hypochlorous acid is the green flag you've been waiting for. It doesn’t exfoliate, it doesn’t promise miracles, and it doesn’t come with a side of stinging regret.
It just… works. Quietly. Consistently. Comfortably. And in my case? It stopped my skin from rage-quitting for the first time in months. When I say my skin exhaled, I mean it.
Need something even gentler in your rotation? You might also love our guide on Sephora Kids and the Retinol Trend, where we break down science-backed routines for sensitive beginners.
FAQs
Q: Can hypochlorous acid help with sunburn?
A: Oh, absolutely. I learned this the hard way. Post-beach, SPF-forgotten chaos. My face was tight, tomato-red, and begging for mercy. I reached for my HOCl spray out of desperation, expecting nothing, and it was instant calm.
Hypochlorous acid doesn't just feel soothing. It has actually been shown to reduce sunburn-induced inflammation and redness. This JAAD study backs it up. I kept it chilled in the fridge and misted throughout the day like a skin reset button. No sting, no greasy after-feel. Just that cooling relief you want from aloe, minus the sticky drama.
If your sunburn is crying for help, this is the skincare equivalent of an ice pack and a hug.
Q: Can hypochlorous acid help with acne?
A: Definitely. HOCl is like the gentlest bouncer your pores will ever meet. It fights acne-causing bacteria, helps reduce inflammation, and supports skin healing without drying you out. It is especially useful for hormonal or cystic breakouts where your skin barrier is already on edge. A 2018 clinical review in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology and a 2022 review in Antibiotics (Basel) both highlight its gentle antibacterial and healing properties.
Q: Is it safe during pregnancy or for babies?
A: Generally, yes. HOCl is often used in neonatal eye and wound care because it is non-toxic, non-sensitizing, and gentle enough for very delicate skin. A review in Pediatric Dermatology supports its safety in babies. For pregnancy, always check the label and consult your healthcare provider, but most pure HOCl sprays are considered safe.
Q: Can I use it after microneedling or chemical peels?
A: Yes. HOCl is one of the few things you can safely use post-procedure. It helps calm the skin, reduce redness, and prevent infection while your skin is healing. A study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology even shows that HOCl can accelerate recovery time after treatments like laser resurfacing. Just make sure your product is fragrance- and alcohol-free.
Q: Can I use hypochlorous acid every day?
A: Absolutely. It’s so gentle you can use it multiple times a day. Whether as a toner step, a post-gym refresh, or a skin reset after a long day, HOCl plays well with almost everything in your routine. It doesn’t exfoliate or sensitize, so it’s safe even for the most reactive skin types.
Q: Will it replace my toner or acne treatment?
A: It depends on your goals. Hypochlorous acid is not a replacement for exfoliating toners or strong actives, but it can definitely be your go-to for barrier support, soothing inflammation, and daily skin maintenance. Think of it as a skin health booster, not a one-size-fits-all fix.
Products mentioned in this guide:
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Ra’eesah Manack
About the author