You may have come across hypochlorous acid (HOCl) while looking for natural substitutes for conventional deodorants. HOCl, a rising star in skincare and wound care, is known for being mild yet effective. Can it be used as a deodorant, though? Yes, but with some restrictions.
Why Hypochlorous Acid Works as a Deodorant
Sweat, which is primarily composed of water and salt, is not the primary cause of our need for deodorant; rather, bacteria are. Sweat is broken down by bacteria, which results in odor. Hypochlorous acid can help with that:
- Antimicrobial power: The bacteria that cause body odor are naturally reduced by HOCl.
- HOCl is safe for sensitive skin and doesn't irritate it like some deodorants that contain alcohol, aluminum, or strong fragrances.
- The majority of HOCl sprays, such as Honeydew Labs' Hypochlorous Acid Spray, are designed to have a pH that is suitable for daily use.
To put it simply, HOCl can control underarm odor without clogging pores or altering your natural microbiota.
What HOCl Won’t Do
It's important to remember that hypochlorous acid is not a antiperspirant but rather a deodorant alternative. This means:
- You will still sweat even with it.
- Underarms won't stay totally dry.
You may prefer a conventional antiperspirant if regulating sweating is your main concern. But if odour control with a mild formula is your primary goal, HOCl might be a fantastic choice.
How to Use Hypochlorous Acid as Deodorant
- Clean skin first: For optimal effects, wash your underarms or take a shower before applying.
- Mist beneath each arm directly. Because HOCl is lightweight, you might want to reapply a few times on hot or active days.
- Combine with skincare: HOCl is a multifunctional solution that can also relieve shaving or waxing irritation.
Final Takeaway
Hypochlorous acid is safe to use as a deodorant. It works as a calming spray for irritation, is safe for sensitive skin, and aids in eliminating bacteria that cause odor. Remember that it will continue to perspire.
If you’re looking for a clean, skin-friendly alternative to deodorant, Honeydew Labs’ Hypochlorous Acid Spray is a great place to start.
Beyond odor control, hypochlorous acid’s antimicrobial power raises another question — is hypochlorous acid spray good for killing Giardia?
References
- Block, M. S., & Rowan, B. G. (2020). Hypochlorous acid: A review. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 78(9), 1461–1466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2020.05.044
- Wang, L., Bassiri, M., Najafi, R., Najafi, K., Yang, J., Khosrovi, B., … Robson, M. C. (2007). Hypochlorous acid as a potential wound care agent: Part I. Journal of Burns and Wounds, 6, e5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2094923/
Written by
Honeydew Labs Team
