By Karen Heath
Primarily found in home cleaning products, you might be surprised to find that Hypochlorous Acid is also a skincare hero. Bacteria-busting, anti-inflammatory and healing, it’s loved by skincare companies, doctors and beauty experts alike.But before you grab your kitchen cleaner to spray on your face (never a good idea!), read our guide to this surprising skincare ingredient.
What is hypochlorous acid?
Found naturally in the body, hypochlorous acid or HOCI as it’s commonly known in scientific circles, is made up of white blood cells that help to kill harmful bacteria. It’s a natural disinfectant that can lower inflammation and help the body heal. For domestic and skincare use it is produced in laboratories by electrically charging salt, water and vinegar.What benefits does it have in skincare?
- Hypochlorous acid is highly effective in killing a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It’s especially effective for acne as it helps to reduce the bacteria and microorganisms on the skin that cause spots and clogged pores, as well as helping to prevent new ones from forming.
- It can sometimes be a challenge to find products that don’t irritate sensitive skin, however hypochlorous acid is a good choice if you’re prone to redness, irritation, or allergic reactions. As well as soothing and calming the skin, it gives some relief from feelings of tightness and stinging.
- Inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea can benefit from hypochlorous acid’s anti-inflammatory properties, as it reduces inflammation and irritation. Angry, swollen skin is calmed and gently cleansed to help prevent future flare-ups, while also reducing itching and redness.
- Hypochlorous acid is a good wound healer as it helps the skin’s natural repair processes by helping to heal minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, while also reducing the risks posed by harmful bacteria and inflammation.
- As skin ages, it becomes more susceptible to damage and slower to heal. HOCI can help regenerate mature skin, with its wound-healing properties helping to reduce signs of ageing. Skin texture and tone is improved, fine lines and wrinkles are reduced and the overall appearance and radiance of the skin is enhanced.
Are there any risks?
Because hypochlorous acid already lives in our bodies, skincare products formulated with it are safe for everyday use. However, there are some people who should take extra care:- Severe skin allergies: if you have severe skin allergies it’s best to talk to your doctor or dermatologist before using HOCI. Even though it’s usually well tolerated, if your skin is hypersensitive, you could still have a reaction.
- Wounds and severe skin conditions: Although hypochlorous acid is good for healing wounds, if you have a chronic wound, it’s best to follow medical advice to ensure your wound heals well.
- Pregnancy: While there’s no specific evidence suggesting it could be harmful to pregnant or nursing women, it’s best to ask your healthcare provider before adding it to your skincare.
Why doctors and clinicians love it
You’re extremely likely to see the products below in any clinic where you choose to have aesthetic treatments for several reasons:- Clinics love hypochlorous acid because is it both effective and safe for a wide range of skin types and conditions while also being antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, allowing practitioners to treat multiple skin issues without the risk of bad side effects.
- It can be used in various dermatological treatments from acne to rosacea, helps healing and skin rejuvenation, and allows practitioners to customise treatments to the patient.
- Non-toxic and biocompatible, it reduces the risk of adverse reactions and ensures that treatments are gentle yet effective.
Products to try
This gentle, ultra-soothing spray can be applied anywhere on the face or body to help with breakouts, irritation and redness, by protecting skin from pollutants and impurities. Ideal for those prone to acne or sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
Clinisept Plus Aftercare
Designed for use both in-clinic and at home post-treatments such as injectables, microneedling, laser treatments and peels, it will gently cleanse the skin and provide ideal conditions for rapid skin recovery without stinging or irritation. It’s applied straight to skin or on a cotton pad, and should be applied three times a day to reduce redness and give the skin optimum conditions to heal.
Purifeyes Professional Spray
Formulated by award-winning eye surgeons Dr Rachna Murthy and Dr Jonathan Roos, this refreshing spray will cleanse, calm and protect eyelids, lashes and tear ducts, and is suitable for a range of eye conditions including tired and dry eyes.
