The generation of hypochlorous acid has now become quite common among both homeowners and businesses that intend to generate hypochlorous acid (HOCl) on demand. However, how do these generators function? Well, for starters, a hypochlorous acid generator is basically a device that uses water, salt, and electrical energy to make a solution of hypochlorous acid by electrolysis. Although this science may be quite straightforward, generating a top quality and stable solution of hypochlorous acid depends on many variables.
What is Hypochlorous Acid?
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a naturally occurring molecule produced by the body's white blood cells as part of the immune response. It helps defend against harmful microorganisms and has been studied for decades because of its antimicrobial properties.
Today, hypochlorous acid is used in a variety of industries, including healthcare, wound care, food safety, agriculture, and skincare. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hypochlorous acid has become increasingly popular in skincare because it's both effective and gentle on the skin.
Commercially produced hypochlorous acid sprays are carefully formulated to maintain quality, stability, and consistency, making them convenient for everyday use.
What Is a Hypochlorous Acid Generator?
The hypochlorous acid generator is an appliance that produces hypochlorous acid by means of electrolysis.
Instead of buying a pre-manufactured solution, people can simply fill up the machine with water and some salt. Once an electrical charge goes through the solution, a chemical reaction takes place that results in the formation of hypochlorous acid, among others.
This is quite a simple process; however, developing a stable and effective solution is a bit more complicated.
How Does Electrolysis Produce Hypochlorous Acid?
Electrolysis refers to a chemical reaction that is initiated by electricity.
In the generator, electrodes are immersed in a solution containing water and dissolved salt (NaCl). Electricity passed through the solution causes the salt to dissociate and react with the water.
The reaction generates several chemicals, including hypochlorous acid.
These are the factors that determine the composition of the solution:
- Design of the generator
- Concentration of salt
- Water composition
- Electricity
- Solution pH
Since all these factors affect the end result, even two generators utilizing the same chemicals can generate solutions that have significantly different compositions.
Why Is pH So Important?
One of the most difficult aspects in the manufacture of hypochlorous acid is maintaining the right pH levels.
The proportion of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) to other forms of chlorine is variable based on the pH level of the mixture. A variation in pH could mean a drop in the proportion of hypochlorous acid in the mixture.
It is for this reason that pH control is very important in manufacturing hypochlorous acid in industrial settings.
Click here to find out what the pH level should be for hypochlorous acid! High-quality hypochlorous acid spray is not just made by combining salt and water.
Are All Hypochlorous Acid Generators the Same?
Not at all.
Some of the generators are made for an industrial purpose, where large amounts of hypochlorous acid are required for sanitation purposes or food production processes. Some other machines are used at homes, which create a lesser amount of solution.
The quality of the solution varies from machine to machine based on their ability to maintain the quality aspects such as pH level, concentration, and electrolysis time.
This is the very reason why the commercially made solutions of hypochlorous acid are put through various tests.
Can You Make Skincare-Quality Hypochlorous Acid at Home?
Some home generators are marketed for skincare, but producing a consistent, stable skincare-quality solution isn't always as simple as it sounds.
A variety of factors can affect the final product, including:
- Water purity
- Salt quality
- Electrolysis time
- Storage conditions
- pH balance
Even small differences in these variables can change the composition of the solution.
If you're planning to use hypochlorous acid on your skin, choosing a product that's been specifically formulated and manufactured for skincare can provide greater confidence in its consistency and quality.
Why Do Commercial Products Often Have a Longer Shelf Life?
An advantage associated with professionally produced hypochlorous acid solutions is the fact that they are made under controlled conditions.
Some of the things that manufacturers consider include concentration, purity, pH, packaging, and the stability of storage.
Packaging is another aspect that must be considered. Exposures to heat, light, and air can destabilize hypochlorous acid solutions, hence the reason for packaging hypochlorous solutions in opaque bottles.
Properly formulated commercial products are expected to maintain their integrity over their recommended shelf-life period.
Are Hypochlorous Acid Generators Worth It?
That depends on how you plan to use hypochlorous acid.
If you need large amounts of solution for cleaning, sanitation, or commercial purposes, a generator may make sense.
However, if you're looking for a hypochlorous acid spray for daily skincare, many people prefer purchasing a ready-to-use product that's already been carefully formulated and tested.
This eliminates the need to monitor pH, concentration, and storage conditions yourself, while also providing a product that's ready to use straight from the bottle.
So, How Does a Hypochlorous Acid Generator Work?
Hypochlorous acid generator is based on electrochemical reactions to transform the water and salt combination into hypochlorous acid. The reaction is quite simple; however, in order to achieve high-quality hypochlorous acid, it is necessary to regulate some factors such as the pH level, concentration, and water quality.
As for the industrial and cleaning purposes, generators could be a good choice. As far as skin care products go, people prefer commercial spray solutions due to their controlled manufacturing.
FAQ
What ingredients does a hypochlorous acid generator use?
Most generators use water, salt (sodium chloride), and electricity to produce hypochlorous acid through electrolysis.
Can you make hypochlorous acid at home?
Yes. Home generators are available, although the consistency and quality of the final solution can vary depending on the equipment and production conditions.
Are homemade hypochlorous acid solutions the same as commercial products?
Not necessarily. Commercial products are typically manufactured under controlled conditions and undergo quality testing to help ensure consistency.
How long does homemade hypochlorous acid last?
Shelf life depends on the generator, storage conditions, and the quality of the solution. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Should I use a generator or buy a ready-made spray?
That depends on your intended use. For skincare, many people prefer ready-made products that have been specifically formulated and tested for cosmetic use.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your hypochlorous acid generator or skincare product.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Electrolyzed water and disinfection. https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/about/cleaning-and-disinfecting-with-bleach.html
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024). What is hypochlorous acid? And why should you use it? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hypochlorous-acid-skin-care
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). List N: Disinfectants for emerging viral pathogens. https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-emerging-viral-pathogens
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2023). Hypochlorous acid and electrolyzed water information. https://www.fda.gov
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
