By Dr. Nidhi Singh Tandon
25-Jul-2024
There’s a new gym-bag addition that is sweeping the internet. As a dermatologist and skin expert, I've seen countless trends come and go, and the most recent buzz in the skincare world is Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl). Claims are that these sprays can help prevent post-workout acne, prevent odours, and even clean equipment, but if they could do all that, is it still safe to spray on the face? What even is hypochlorous acid? Let's separate fact from fiction and explore whether HOCl lives up to its hype.
Think of Hypochlorous Acid as your skin's own superhero, fighting off bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Now, skincare companies have found a way to bottle this stuff, and it's showing up in all sorts of products. But before you go reaching for cleaning supplies to spray on your face, don't! There's a big difference between the Hypochlorous Acid found in your surface cleaners and the acid found in your face mists.
For skincare use, Hypochlorous Acid has to be diluted to 100 parts per million before it's safe to use on your skin. When diluted correctly, Hypochlorous Acid is supposed to be harsh on harmful bacteria, but gentle on skin — yes, even sensitive skin.
When it comes to acne, one of the main culprits behind breakouts is bacteria clogging pores. As a powerful antibacterial agent, this is where Hypochlorous Acid comes into the picture, speeds up the healing process and repairs skin damage. Its anti-inflammatory properties are touted to treat eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. And if that wasn't enough, it's also great at calming down itchy skin and dealing with flakiness and redness due to its wound-healing properties. It's starting to sound a lot like the Swiss army knife of skincare ingredients.
There's no need to gradually introduce this ingredient into your skin care routine or worry about adverse reactions—you're already being exposed to it every day. When you get a cut or scrape on your skin, hypochlorous acid kicks in to keep harmful germs out.
Reality vs. Hype
Social media often amplifies the benefits of skincare ingredients, and HOCl is no exception. While it does have promising properties, it's not a miracle cure-all. HOCl can be a valuable addition to a skincare routine, especially for those dealing with acne or inflammation, but it's important to maintain realistic expectations.
But here's the thing—and I cannot stress this enough—skincare isn't one-size-fits-all. What works wonders for your best friend might do nothing for you. That's why I always recommend talking to a dermatologist about your specific skin concerns. It's important to approach it with informed expectations.
If you have decided to try this out for yourself, it is essential to check for concentration prior to purchase. Effective products typically contain 0.01% to 0.05% HOCl, and it works best when combined with other appropriate skin care practices and products. Consistency is the best practice for positive outcomes. As with all other skincare advice, avoiding products with unnecessary additives and fragrances is necessary. Choose reputable brands that provide clear information about their formulations.
