The main shock is that hypochloric acid (also hypochlorous or simply HClO) is a part of household chemicals, namely disinfectants. This component perfectly removes bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Hypochlorous acid is also used to disinfect tap water, swimming pools, and bleach.
You might think that we are talking about bleach. But no, they are related and even have a similar smell, but they are not the same thing. Hypochlorous acid is one of the components formed when bleach is dissolved in water. When bleach is dissolved, it forms hypochlorous acid, which provides its disinfectant properties. Let's find out how you can use hypochlorous acid for acne elimination.
Use for Skin Care
We will surprise you even more - hypochlorous acid is in our body, where it plays an essential role in the immune system. Here's how it works:
Immune cells. White blood cells called neutrophils produce HClO when fighting bacteria and viruses.
Production of HClO. When neutrophils capture microbes, a chemical reaction occurs inside them. Hydrogen peroxide, which is already in the cell, interacts with chloride ions using the enzyme myeloperoxidase. As a result, hypochlorous acid is formed.
Destruction of microbes. This acid is a strong oxidizer. It kills microbes by destroying their cell walls, proteins, and DNA.
That is why, in addition to household chemicals, it has been used in medicine for several years now as an antiseptic for wound care.
Effect on Acne Treatment
In cosmetology and dermatology, this acid is used in products to treat hands and feet before and after pedicures (especially in podiatry), disinfect the face after microdermabrasion, chemical peeling, laser techniques, and more.
But the latest news is that this ingredient may be helpful for acne treatment. Key benefits:
Antimicrobial action. Hypochlorous acid effectively destroys Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) (which was recently renamed to Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). By the way, we wrote about the acne treatment protocol here.
Anti-inflammatory effect. It helps reduce inflammation and redness, which is essential for the treatment of acne.
Gentleness for the skin. In low concentrations, hypochlorous acid is quite gentle and less irritating compared to other antiseptics. It is suitable even for sensitive skin.
This is a weak acid with a low pH level, but at the same time, it has pronounced antimicrobial properties. Nature has already provided it in the human body: it is produced by white blood cells when fighting infections. When the skin is damaged, the body uses HOCl as a natural barrier against microbes. Modern technologies make it possible to recreate this substance artificially using electrolysis from salt, water, and vinegar. The result is a safe and effective solution that is included in cosmetics and medical products. Since hypochlorous acid is already present in our body, it is entirely compatible with the skin. Well-developed formulas are suitable for daily use and do not require addiction or gradual introduction into care. Sprays with HOCl are especially convenient in the "on-the-go" format, as they can be used in the gym, on the road, at work, or after being outside. They not only cleanse the skin but also create a protective barrier against bacteria that we encounter daily. HOCl can be helpful for absolutely everyone, from teenagers with acne to adults with sensitive or inflamed skin. It works exceptionally well in the following cases:
with a tendency to acne;
after intense workouts;
with irritation and peeling;
during the seasons of exacerbation of dermatological diseases.
For very sensitive skin, it is worth choosing products without fragrances and additional aggressive components—they are more often the cause of irritation than the acid itself.
Scientific Proof
We cannot ignore the research, so we have collected relevant information. Yes, the experiments were carried out repeatedly, and positive dynamics are clearly visible, but the number of subjects is still small. This ingredient is not yet included in the acne treatment protocol. However:
In a study published in 2020 in Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 60 acne patients used a product with HClO twice daily for 6 weeks. The results showed that the number of acne lesions in patients was reduced by 45% compared to the initial level, while in the placebo group, the reduction was only 15%.
A review of data from 5 clinical studies (published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology) showed that the combined use of HClO with traditional acne treatments reduced the number of breakouts by 50% compared to using traditional therapies alone. The review analyzed the results based on changes in the number of inflammations and comedones.
A 2018 study from the Journal of Dermatological Science evaluated the antimicrobial properties of HClO against C. acnes and other pathogenic bacteria. During testing, it was found that hypochlorous acid reduced their number by 90% within 10 minutes of exposure.
Perhaps, if you have acne, then you should not experiment with a new ingredient, although there is no negative data on its effects. It is better to stick to the treatment strategy prescribed by your doctor. If there are local rashes, you can try it - this is what beautyholics do. Another life hack from them is to spray hypochloric acid sprays after training.
How to Use
The most popular format is a spray with a fine mist. It is best to use it on cleansed skin. After application, it is recommended to close the treatment with a skin barrier restoration product, cream, or serum.
You can also use such sprays:
pointwise for rashes;
for treating minor cuts and scratches;
as a hand antiseptic;
to soothe skin after sunburn.
The main rule: use only those products that are intended specifically for the skin. You should not experiment with household antiseptics and undiluted acid, as they can leave burns.
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