Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common and effective ingredients for treating acne, especially for its ability to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce oil. However, it can sometimes be too harsh, causing dryness and irritation. Pairing it with hypochlorous acid (HOCl) creates a powerful combination that treats acne while soothing and healing the skin.
Stumbled on the wrong blog? Not using benzoyl peroxide but curious about how to add hypochlorous acid to your skincare routine? Check out our guide on "How to Use Hypochlorous Acid in Your Skincare Routine."
What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that cause acne, reducing oil production, and promoting cell turnover. It’s especially effective for inflammatory acne, such as papules and pustules, but it can also be drying, making it essential to pair with soothing ingredients like hypochlorous acid.

How Hypochlorous Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Work Together
Bacteria-Fighting Duo - Benzoyl peroxide targets and kills the bacteria that cause acne, while hypochlorous acid complements this by continuing to eliminate bacteria on the skin’s surface. Together, they create an environment that’s less conducive to breakouts .
Reduces Inflammation and Redness - Benzoyl peroxide can sometimes cause irritation, especially when used in higher concentrations. Hypochlorous acid helps calm inflammation and soothe redness, reducing the discomfort that can come with benzoyl peroxide use .
Helps Heal Acne Faster - While benzoyl peroxide works to stop new acne from forming, hypochlorous acid aids in healing the skin from existing breakouts. Its anti-inflammatory properties help speed up the healing process and minimize the risk of scarring.
Recommended Benzoyl Peroxide Products
For effective acne treatment, consider adding one of these top-rated benzoyl peroxide products to your routine:
Cerave Acne Foaming Cream Wash | 10% Benzoyl Peroxide – A maximum strength benzoyl peroxide wash for those dealing with stubborn acne with tons of ceramides to prevent drying of skin.
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel – A spot treatment that targets pimples quickly with 10% benzoyl peroxide.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment – A dual-action acne treatment that combines benzoyl peroxide with other soothing ingredients to reduce acne.

How to Layer Hypochlorous Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide
After cleansing your face, apply hypochlorous acid to soothe the skin and reduce any existing inflammation. Once it’s fully dry, use your benzoyl peroxide treatment on affected areas. Follow up with a moisturizer to lock in hydration and prevent dryness.
If you're new to both benzoyl peroxide and hypochlorous acid, it's important to introduce these ingredients into your skincare routine slowly to minimize the risk of irritation. Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful acne-fighting ingredient that works by killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation, but it can also cause dryness, redness, and peeling, especially for beginners.
On the other hand, hypochlorous acid is a gentler, soothing antimicrobial agent that helps reduce inflammation and promote healing. While they can be effective in treating acne, using both simultaneously might overwhelm your skin, particularly if you're just starting with these ingredients.
To avoid irritation, consider alternating their use—applying benzoyl peroxide in the evening and hypochlorous acid in the morning, or starting with lower concentrations of benzoyl peroxide and gradually increasing over time.
Always monitor your skin’s response and, if needed, introduce one ingredient at a time to allow your skin to adapt. This cautious approach will help maintain a balanced skin barrier, ensuring you get the benefits of both ingredients without causing excessive dryness or sensitivity.
For a balanced acne-fighting routine, try our hypochlorous acid spray along with your benzoyl peroxide treatment. It’s also available on Amazon USA or Amazon Canada.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for general information and should not replace professional medical advice. Honeydew Labs products are intended for cosmetic use and are not substitutes for prescribed treatments.
References for Hypochlorous Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Use:
McDonnell, G., & Russell, A. D. (1999). Benzoyl Peroxide and its Effects on Acne-Prone Skin. Clinical Microbiology Reviews.
Bongiovanni, B., & Karpecki, P. (2020). Combining Benzoyl Peroxide and Hypochlorous Acid for Effective Acne Treatment. Journal of Dermatological Science.
We love sharing tips from our amazing Honeydew Labs community under every blog post! Here’s a great example of how versatile our Hypochlorous Acid Spray can be:
“In addition to skincare, I’m all about using hypochlorous acid to freshen up everything that touches my skin—pillowcases, pajamas, racey lingeries, even my yoga mat! It keeps everything clean and skin-friendly!”
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