Hypochlorous acid spray for skin is a gentle, non-toxic facial spray that helps calm inflammation, reduce redness, fight acne-causing bacteria, and support skin healing.
Made from the same molecule your immune system produces to fight infection, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) works as a powerful antimicrobial—without the irritation of traditional skincare ingredients.
If you’re new to the ingredient, start with What Is Hypochlorous Acid? to understand how it works.
Hypochlorous acid is an incredibly gentle antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that’s super effective and non-toxic. It’s used in a range of applications where you need an effective antimicrobial that also has to be very gentle when directly applied to the skin – think veterinary care, eye care, and wound healing products.
If you’re comparing options, here’s how hypochlorous acid compares to traditional disinfectants like bleach.
Hypochlorous acid is having a moment in skincare. Here’s what you need to know about hypochlorous acid – AKA HOCl – and how it’s being used in skincare products. You can also learn about whether hypochlorous acid is safe for your skin.
Hypochlorous acid spray works so well on skin because it targets bacteria, reduces inflammation, and supports your skin’s natural healing process—all without disrupting your skin barrier.
Learn more about hypochlorous acid uses.
What is hypochlorous acid spray?
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a substance your white blood cells produce to fight infection and promote healing. In skincare, it’s used in spray form to help cleanse, soothe, and protect the skin. It’s non-toxic, fragrance-free, and safe enough for all skin types.
It can be created from just salt and water, if at precisely the right pH, electricity is used to break apart the molecules and combine them into a new molecule, which is hypochlorous acid (HOCl). At the right concentration, hypochlorous acid is generally safe for all skin types and has no skin allergens or irritants like you’ll find in typical skincare ingredients (like fragrances and preservatives).
Does Hypochlorous Acid Spray Work on Skin?
When it comes to killing bacteria, hypochlorous acid has been proven across multiple studies to have highly effective antimicrobial properties. In fact, it’s more effective at killing bacteria than bleach because it is better able to penetrate the cell walls of pathogens in order to disable them. The order of magnitude varies by microbe, but overall it’s much more efficient than bleach, so you don’t need nearly as much to kill the same germ. That’s why you need to use bleach (sodium hypochlorite) at such high and toxic concentrations in order to be effective.
The way hypochlorous acid works on skin is that it acts like your skin’s own bodyguard. It kills harmful bacteria, calms inflammation, and supports healing, all while being incredibly gentle.
Benefits of Hypochlorous Acid Spray for Skin
Fights Acne without Drying
HOCl helps reduce breakouts by eliminating acne-causing bacteria that clogs pores and reducing inflammation. Unlike benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, it doesn’t cause peeling or dryness when it’s at the right concentration. That makes it ideal for teens, adults, and anyone dealing with maskne or hormonal breakouts.
Soothes Redness and Inflammation
Hypochlorous acid sprays are being used in dermatology for a variety of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. It calms red, angry skin without stinging or burning.
Hypochlorous acid sprays – sometimes described as hypochlorous spray or HOCl spray – are popping up in skincare products like facial mists and toners too. These can be pricey at $4 to $8 per ounce. They aim to reduce redness, irritation, acne, and promote healing for damaged skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin, Kids & Even Post-Procedure
Because it’s non-toxic, hypochlorous acid spray is trusted in hospitals and dermatology clinics for wound and post-laser care. It’s gentle enough to be used after procedures like microneedling or chemical peels.
Because of these benefits, hypochlorous acid spray is commonly used for acne, rosacea, eczema, post-procedure care, and everyday skin maintenance.
FAQs About Hypochlorous Acid Spray for Skin
What does hypochlorous acid spray do for your skin?
Can you use hypochlorous acid spray on your face every day?
Is hypochlorous acid spray good for acne-prone skin?
Is hypochlorous acid spray safe for sensitive skin?
When should you use hypochlorous acid spray in your skincare routine?
How to Use Hypochlorous Acid Spray in Your Routine
Use hypochlorous acid spray after cleansing and before moisturizing, just like a toner or facial mist. Spray it directly onto your face, or apply it with a cotton pad. It’s great for:
- Morning and evening skincare
- After workouts or sweating
- Soothing sunburns or bug bites
Experts say there are minimal risks to using hypochlorous acid skin care products. However, it’s important to ensure that the products you are using are formulated correctly and have the right concentration. Hypochlorous acid at the wrong concentrations could irritate skin or fail to kill the bacteria causing inflammation. Also, people with chlorine allergies may be allergic because hypochlorous acid is a type of chlorine.
Stick to using products that come with clear directions for use, like hypochlorous acid spray for acne. Properly formulated products can be used daily without significant risk.
We’re All About Better-For-You Products
At Force of Nature, we of course love hypochlorous acid! Our appliance uses electricity to convert tap water, plus a small capsule of salt, water & vinegar, into a multi-surface cleaner and EPA registered disinfectant containing hypochlorous acid.
Our multi-surface household cleaner & disinfectant has earned the highest possible rating by the Mayo Clinic’s SkinSAFE allergy rating system and is the only cleaner and disinfectant awarded the Clean Label Project Purity Award and the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. We’re also Green Seal Certified for meeting the highest standards in protecting health, preserving the climate, and minimizing waste and certified Carbon Neutral by ClimatePartner.
When it comes to cleaning effectiveness, our toxin-free formula is just as effective as Windex on glass, Formula 409 on grease, Scrubbing Bubbles on soap scum, Febreze on odors, and Resolve on rugs. You can see lab test results vs the leading brands here.
We priced it to be affordable to anyone who wants to be more sustainable, so it costs up to 80% less per oz than the leading surface cleaning brands. It’s a super cost-effective way to make hypochlorous acid right on your countertop. Sound interesting? Learn more about our little appliance that allows you to make hypochlorous acid spray on your countertop to cleanse just about any surface without toxins – and save money too!
