There aren’t many ingredients that blur the line between medicine, skincare, and household cleaning. However, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is one of them! It sounds intimidating, but HOCl is something your body already knows how to make!
Whenever your immune system senses an unknown substance, your white blood cells release HOCl to fight bacteria and kickstart healing. It’s quick, powerful, and super gentle. Researchers have figured out how to stabilize this molecule outside the body. What used to be just biology became a multitasking solution for everything from acne to wound care to surface disinfection (are you as shocked as we are?).
FOR SKIN: Gentle Defense You Can Mist On
The skin barrier is under attack daily (UV rays, pollution, makeup, bacteria). HOCl steps in with a unique mix of properties:
- ANTIMICROBIAL POWER
- It disrupts bacterial membranes without irritating skin.
- ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
- Clinical studies show reduced redness and swelling in eczema and rosacea patients.
- BARRIER SUPPORT
- HOCl doesn’t just disinfect. It helps skin stay hydrated and heal faster after irritation or cosmetic procedures.
Dermatologists often recommend HOCl sprays for acne-prone skin or as a recovery step after treatments like microneedling. Want to learn more? Check out our blog on using hypochlorous acid for acne and eczema.
Pairing tip: HOCl works beautifully with lightweight hydrators. After spritzing, layer on something like Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream for barrier repair.
FOR HEALTH: More Than Skincare
HOCl isn’t new at all in healthcare. Hospitals have used it for years! It’s been studied as a wound irrigant, for chronic ulcers, and even in ophthalmology for conditions like blepharitis. Unlike harsher antiseptics, HOCl doesn’t damage healthy tissue, making it sake for frequent use.
It’s also gaining traction in oral care and veterinary medicine. A 2020 review in Frontiers in Public Health highlighted HOCl’s effectiveness in reducing biofilms (the slimy layers of bacteria) without the toxic side effects of chemical disinfectants.
FOR CLEANING: A Safer Alternative
Household cleaning products often leave behind trade-offs (kill germs but rough on surfaces and lungs). HOCl is different. It neutralizes pathogens like E. coli and viruses, then simply breaks down into saltwater. No lingering fumes, no corrosive damage, no bleach stains.
Industries like food processing and hospitality have adopted HOCl-based cleaners. It’s strong enough to sanitize kitchens yet safe enough to spray around kids and pets.
Why It Matters?
The rise of “do-it-all” wellness tools has made HOCl popular outside labs and hospitals. One bottle can disinfect your phone, soothe a breakout, and refresh a sunburn. For people who want fewer, safer products, this versatility is huge.
At Honeydew Labs, we’ve built our Hypochlorous Acid Spray to make this science-backed ingredient accessible for daily life. It’s simple, portable, and designed for sensitive skin and busy routines.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before using HOCl for medical conditions.
References
- Wang, L., et al. (2020). Hypochlorous acid as a disinfectant: Efficacy, applications, and safety considerations. Frontiers in Public Health.
- Robson, M.C., et al. (2007). Hypochlorous acid as a wound care agent. Journal of Burns and Wounds.
- Del Rosso, J.Q. (2016). The use of hypochlorous acid in dermatology. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
- Block, S.S. (2011). Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation (5th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Written by
Honeydew Labs Team
