Short answer: yes but only in certain situations.
Like hand sanitizer, hypochlorous acid sprays are used in similar situations. The use of HOCl reduces microbes on the surface of the skin but HOCl should not be considered a substitute for alcohol-based sanitizers. HOCl is non-toxic, very mild, and is often used in medical/skin care applications; however, there has been no proven alternative to alcohol-based sanitizers which remain the gold standard for disinfection.
How does HOCl work on hands?
The human immune system uses its white blood cells to produce HOCl to damage pathogens/bacteria through oxidative damage. Topical application of HOCl solutions causes disruption of microbial cell walls, denatures enzymes/protein, and reduces bacterial/viral loads on skin.
Both, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization recognize HOCl as an effective disinfectant when used at appropriate concentration levels.
Why isn't HOCl exactly like hand sanitizer?
Alcohol based hand sanitizers (typically contain between 60-70% ethanol or isopropyl) kill bacteria rapidly within seconds, and for many different scenarios by denaturing proteins & quickly destroying pathogenic organisms.
HOCl is also highly effective but may require longer contact time to be active. Its activity depends upon the following factors: concentration level of HOCl solution, pH level of the solution, freshness of HOCl solution & chemical stability of HOCl.
Why HOCl is better than most alcohols
There isn't anything better than HOCl, there just aren't many alcohols that offer what HOCl does. The largest benefit of HOCl is not how fast it kills bacteria, but rather because it is so mild you can safely use it as often as you want.
Alcohol can be very drying to your lips. If you are washing your hands with alcohol a lot during the day, the repeated stripping of the natural lipid layer of your skin can lead to irritation, redness, and dryness. There is no risk of this happening with a HOCl solution. In fact, HOCl solutions are completely safe for people with compromised skin or those that suffer with eczema or other forms of dermatitis.
Many HOCl products also carry the seal of acceptance by the National Eczema Association, signifying that they have been tested and found to be safe for individuals with eczema. This means that if you work out frequently, have kids that play outside all the time, or have a job where you wash your hands frequently, then using HOCl could be an excellent choice for you.
Due to the ability of HOCl to kill microbes without causing damage to healthy tissue, doctors are now using HOCl in some dermatological practices to help treat wounds and inflamed skin.
What HOCl isn't perfect for
Although HOCl has several advantages over traditional alcohols, it is far from being a perfect replacement.
- Slower sanitizing action: while alcohol will typically start killing germs instantly upon contact, HOCl needs additional time based on the product's formulation to sanitize effectively.
- Stability issues: HOCl is a chemical compound that is unstable under certain conditions including light, air, and incorrect pH levels. As such, many manufacturers report that their HOCl formulations degrade rapidly and therefore do not last long enough to provide consistent sanitization.
- Regulatory status: although the majority of HOCl products are labeled as "hand sanitizers", not all are officially classified as such.
So how should I use both?
Don't try to decide whether to replace one product with another. Think about optimizing how you use each product based on specific situations.
When to use HOCl sprays:
- When you need to sanitize gently and regularly
- When your skin is already irritated from using an alcohol product
- When you're working in a situation with relatively low to moderate microbial risk (for example, at home)
Use alcohol sanitizer when:
- You need rapid disinfection
- You're in high-risk or clinical settings
- Public health guidance specifically recommends it
And in all cases: handwashing with soap and water remains the most effective method for removing dirt, oils, and microbes.
What to look for in an HOCl spray (for hand use)
Not all hypochlorous acid sprays are equally effective. Since HOCl is sensitive, formulation details matter.
Green flags
- Water-based spray format
- Clearly stated concentration (ppm)
- Shelf life or expiration date
- Packaging that limits light and air exposure
- Slightly acidic pH (~4-6)
- Very minimal ingredients
Red flags
- No potency or concentration listed
- Long, complex ingredient lists (HOCl) may react and degrade)
- Clear bottles exposed to sunlight
- No mention of stability, testing, or shelf life
FAQ
Can hypochlorous acid kill viruses?
Yes, HOCl has demonstrated effectiveness against many bacteria and enveloped viruses in laboratory settings, depending on concentration and formulation.
Is HOCl safer than alcohol sanitizer?
It is generally gentler and less irritating, but "safer" depends on context. Alcohol is still more reliable for rapid disinfection in high-risk scenarios.
Can I use HOCl spray all day?
Yes. It is suitable for frequent use and is less likely to damage the skin barrier compared to alcohol-based sanitizers.
Does HOCl replace handwashing?
No. Soap and water physically remove dirt and microbes and remain the most effective hygiene method.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For infection control guidance, follow recommendations from public health authorities or consult a healthcare professional.
References
- Block, M. S., & Rowan, B. G. (2020). Hypochlorous acid: A review. Wounds. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7315945/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hand Hygiene FAQs. https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/faq/index.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hand Sanitizer Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/data-research/facts-stats/hand-sanitizer-facts.html
- Food and Drug Administration. Hand sanitizer safety and recommendations. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-hand-sanitizers-consumers-should-not-use
- World Health Organization. Hypochlorous acid for disinfection and antisepsis. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/essential-medicines/2021-eml-expert-committee/expert-reviews/a18_hypochlorous-acid_rev2.pdf
- Sorroche, M. G., et al. (2021). Hypochlorous acid as an antiseptic against SARS-CoV-2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8598944/
- Infection Control Today. (2024). Alcohol-based sanitizers and norovirus limitations. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/alcohol-based-hand-sanitizers-ineffective-against-norovirus-effective-alternatives-infection-control-strategies
- Optometry Times. Hypochlorous acid: harnessing nature’s germ killer. https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/hypochlorous-acid-harnessing-natures-germ-killer
- Wikipedia. Hypochlorous acid stability and degradation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypochlorous_acid
If you're looking for a hypochlorous acid spray, you can learn more about our formulation here. It's also available through select retailers, including Amazon.
Written by
Honeydew Labs Team
