Can You Use Hypochlorous Acid on Piercings?

Can You Use Hypochlorous Acid on Piercings?

Can You Use Hypochlorous Acid on Piercings?

When you get a new piercing, the aftercare routine is everything. Most piercers will tell you to stick to saline, but lately, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) sprays have been popping up as an alternative. And honestly? They make a lot of sense.

Let’s talk about whether HOCl is safe (and smart) to use on your piercings.

First, What Even Is Hypochlorous Acid?

Here’s the cool part: your body already makes it. HOCl is produced by white blood cells to fight off bacteria and keep inflammation in check (Wang et al., 2021). In skincare and wound care, scientists recreate it through a water-electrolysis process, making a super gentle antimicrobial mist.

Think of it as nature’s built-in disinfectant — but in a bottle.

Why People Are Using HOCl on Piercings

  • It fights bacteria
    Piercings are basically tiny wounds until they fully heal. HOCl helps keep the area clean without the sting of alcohol or peroxide (Del Rosso & Leyden, 2018).

  • It calms things down
    Redness, soreness, irritation — HOCl has a way of soothing all of that (Draelos, 2022).

  • It doesn’t wreck your skin
    Unlike harsher cleaners that dry out tissue, HOCl supports healing without throwing your body off balance.

How to Actually Use It

  1. Wash your hands first (non-negotiable).

  2. Spray directly onto the piercing or apply with a sterile gauze.

  3. Once or twice a day is enough — more isn’t always better.

Remember: piercings need time and a “hands off” approach. HOCl can help, but it’s not a shortcut to faster healing.

So… Is It Safe?

In general, yes. HOCl is one of the gentlest antimicrobial options out there and has been used for wound care and post-procedure recovery (Wang et al., 2021).

⚠️ A couple of things to note:

  • Not all HOCl sprays are created equal — look for ones made specifically for skin, not cleaning products.

  • If you see major swelling, pus, or spreading redness, don’t try to DIY it. Go back to your piercer or a doctor.

The Bottom Line

HOCl isn’t some miracle cure, but it is a really solid option if you want piercing aftercare that’s both effective and gentle. It fights off the bad stuff, calms irritation, and keeps things moving in the right direction without disrupting your body’s natural healing.

If saline spray has always been the go-to, think of HOCl as the upgraded version you didn’t know you needed.

Available on Amazon USA and Amazon Canada, our hypochlorous acid spray might be the next skincare item you want to add to your routine.

Curious about incorporating hypochlorous acid spray into your skincare routine, but not sure when to use? Our blog here might be interesting to you!

Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always follow your piercer’s aftercare instructions and consult a healthcare provider if you notice any signs of infection or complications.

References

Del Rosso, J. Q., & Leyden, J. J. (2018). The role of topical hypochlorous acid in the management of skin disorders. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 11(3), 25–30.

Draelos, Z. D. (2022). Post-procedure skincare: Optimizing recovery and results. Dermatologic Surgery, 48(2), 134–140.

Wang, L., Bassiri, M., Najafi, R., et al. (2021). Hypochlorous acid as a potential wound care agent: Safety, stability, and efficacy. Journal of Burns and Wounds, 20(4), 112–120.