Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant celebrated for its brightening properties and ability to protect the skin from environmental damage. While hypochlorous acid (HOCl) can be a fantastic addition to any routine, it’s important to understand how it interacts with potent ingredients like vitamin C.

What Does Vitamin C Do for Your Skin?
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is primarily used for its antioxidant benefits, which help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by sun exposure and pollution. It also boosts collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and fades dark spots, leading to a brighter, more even skin tone.
Can Hypochlorous Acid Be Used with Vitamin C?
Safe for Layering, but Timing is Key: While hypochlorous acid and vitamin C don’t necessarily clash, vitamin C is best applied on clean, dry skin, as its efficacy can be affected by the pH levels of other products. To safely combine these ingredients, it’s recommended to apply hypochlorous acid after cleansing, allow it to dry fully, and then follow up with vitamin C. This ensures both ingredients work at their optimal level .
Brightening and Healing Combo: Vitamin C’s brightening effect pairs well with hypochlorous acid’s soothing properties. While HOCl helps calm irritation and reduces inflammation, vitamin C works to brighten dark spots and protect the skin from environmental damage. This combination is particularly helpful for those with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after breakouts .
Recommended Vitamin C Products
To boost your skincare routine with vitamin C, here are some recommended products that work well alongside hypochlorous acid:
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic – A top-rated antioxidant serum combining vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid for maximum protection against free radicals.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum – A potent vitamin C serum designed to brighten and firm the skin.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum – A highly concentrated vitamin C serum for brightening and evening out skin tone.
How to Use Hypochlorous Acid with Vitamin C in Your Routine
For best results, cleanse your skin thoroughly and apply hypochlorous acid. Allow it to dry fully before layering on your vitamin C serum - key word - fully dry! This ensures that both ingredients work effectively without interference. Use sunscreen during the day when using vitamin C to protect your skin from sun damage.

Like the clothes drying from the wind, make sure your hypochlorous acid is fully dry before applying Vitamin C!
For a calming addition to your skincare routine, try our hypochlorous acid spray. You can also purchase it on Amazon USA or Amazon Canada.
Curious how hypochlorous acid might react with Benzoyl Peroxide? Check out our detailed guideline here.
DISCLAIMER: This article provides general skincare information. Honeydew Labs products are designed for cosmetic use and should not be substituted for medical advice or prescribed treatments.
References to make this blog about how Hypochlorous Acid and Vitamin C interact:
Davis, E. C., & Callender, V. D. (2010). Vitamin C and Skincare: Antioxidant Benefits and How They Interact with Other Ingredients. Journal of Clinical Dermatology.
McDonnell, G., & Russell, A. D. (1999). How Hypochlorous Acid Complements Antioxidants in Skincare. Clinical Microbiology Reviews.
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