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Skincare Ingredients to Use Cautiously with Hypochlorous Acid

Writer's picture: honeydewlabhoneydewlab

When incorporating hypochlorous acid (HOCl) into your skincare routine, it's important to be aware of how it interacts with other active ingredients.


Ingredient ineractions with hypochlorous acid


While HOCl is gentle, certain combinations can be too harsh, especially if you're new to these ingredients. Here are some ingredients to use cautiously alongside hypochlorous acid:


Vitamin C


Vitamin C is highly acidic and can be sensitive to changes in pH. Using hypochlorous acid at the same time might reduce the effectiveness of Vitamin C. A good approach is to use Vitamin C in the morning and HOCl in the evening, or give them some time between applications to allow hypochlorous acid to fully dry before using Vitamin C.


Retinoids (Retinol)


Retinoids can be potent and may cause dryness, especially for beginners. Although HOCl has soothing properties, applying them together might still cause sensitivity. It's best to introduce them separately or use hypochlorous acid on alternating nights as a soothing treatment.


Benzoyl Peroxide


Benzoyl peroxide is known for its drying and sometimes irritating effects. While hypochlorous acid is calming, using both at the same time could lead to dryness. To avoid this, consider using them on alternate days.


Exfoliating Acids (AHAs/BHAs like Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid)


Strong exfoliating acids can irritate the skin when overused. If you're using hypochlorous acid to soothe your skin, it’s wise to introduce exfoliating acids cautiously, especially if your skin tends to be sensitive.


Niacinamide


There's no known adverse interaction between niacinamide and hypochlorous acid. In fact, they work well together for soothing and anti-inflammatory purposes. However, if you're new to niacinamide, it's still a good idea to introduce it slowly to avoid potential irritation.


Hydroquinone


Hydroquinone is a strong skin-lightening agent that can cause irritation. Using it alongside hypochlorous acid might overwhelm sensitive skin, so it’s best to use them at different times or alternate days.


General Tips


  • Layering caution: Even though HOCl is gentle, introducing strong active ingredients one at a time helps to gauge how your skin reacts.

  • Alternate usage: If you’re using multiple active ingredients that might conflict, using them on different days or at different times of day (morning vs. evening) is often the best approach.

  • Mitigate mixing by allowing ample time for each step to fully dry: wait a few minutes for one product to absorb fully before applying the next. This prevents interactions and ensures each product works effectively.


Taking these steps ensures you get the most out of both hypochlorous acid and other active ingredients in your routine, while minimizing irritation or sensitivity!

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