Can You Use Hypochlorous Acid on Sunburns?

Long summer days often mean hours outside. For many of us, this also means dealing with the sting of sunburn. Even if you’re diligent about sunscreen (and you should be!), redness, irritation, and discomfort can still sneak up. So what’s the best way to calm skin after too much sun? If you’re looking for a gentle way to calm sunburned skin, you might be wondering if you can use hypochlorous acid on sunburns.

TLDR; YES! Your body actually makes hypochlorous acid (HOCl) on its own as part of your immune response. In skincare, this ingredient is well known for being both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial (making it amazing for soothing sunburned skin!).

Why Hypochlorous Acid Works on Sunburns

Long story short, sunburn is inflammation. When UV rays damage the skin barrier, it becomes red, overheated, and vulnerable to infection. HOCl helps skin recovery in a few key ways:

• SOOTHES IRRITATION
  • Helps reduce redness and cool down inflamed skin without any stinging (goodbye aloe vera stickiness).
• KEEPS BACTERIA IN CHECK
  • Burned or compromised skin is more prone to infection and hypochlorous acid helps lower that risk.
• SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
  • Unlike alcohol-based sprays or heavily fragranced gels, HOCl is gentle enough to use daily without stripping the skin barrier.

We’ve also written about HOCl’s role in supporting acne-prone skin and calming rosacea flare-ups.

How to Use HOCl on Sunburned Skin

1. Start by cleansing very gently with a mild, non-foaming cleanser.
2. Spray hypochlorous acid directly onto the affected areas for quick relief. Our Honeydew Labs Hypochlorous Acid Spray is designed for daily use.
3. Lock in hydration with a serum or cream that supports barrier repair. An amazing option is Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream!

Want to know where HOCl fits in your daily routine? Read our guide on when to use hypochlorous acid in your skincare routine.

Tips for a Quick Sunburn Recovery

• DRINK LOTS OF WATER
  • UV damage depletes your skin of its moisture. You want to rehydrate your skin from the inside out by drinking more water than usual.
• TAKE SHORT, COOL SHOWERS
  • This can relieve heat but avoid hot water as it can make the irritation worse.
• MOISTURIZE WHILE SKIN IS DAMP
  • After bathing, you want to lock in the hydration by using products like aloe vera or beta-glucan serums (hello dewy, recovery glow).
• REST WELL
  • Your skin repairs itself while you sleep. Good rest can speed up recovery!
• KEEP HOCL ON HAND
  • Spritzing throughout the day helps calm inflammation and lowers the risk of infection.

Can you use hypochlorous acid on sunburns? ABSOLUTELY! By reducing inflammation and protecting weakened skin, HOCl offers gentle, effective relief. Our very own Honeydew Labs Hypochlorous Acid Spray is a go-to for after-sun care. Just a few spritzes can calm irritation and leave your skin feeling refreshed!

Looking for multi-tasking skincare? Read our blog on hypochlorous acid and vitamin C to learn about pairing these powerhouse ingredients.

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. For severe sunburns with blistering, fever, or signs of infection, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

Citations

1. Fukuyama, T., et al. (2018). Hypochlorous acid and skin: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Journal of Dermatological Science.
2. O’Neill, J., et al. (2021). The role of hypochlorous acid in dermatology. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.