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The Antibacterial Action of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl): A Scientific Overview

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Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) has a solid track record for fighting off bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which is why it’s used in a ton of healthcare and skincare products. What’s even cooler? HOCl is actually something our own bodies make naturally, as part of our immune response. This article breaks down how HOCl works, based on science, to help you understand why it’s so good at tackling bacterial infections.


Before we start, if you prefer watching videos to reading, take a look at our favourite Youtube video explaining the anti-bacterial powers of hypochlorous acid by Dermatologists Dr. Maxfield and Dr. Shaw.


What Exactly Is Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)?


Imagine you’re your body’s immune system. You notice some nasty bacteria trying to make itself at home! This is where HOCl comes in. When those immune cells spot an invader, they release HOCl, kind of like a mini disinfectant on the spot. It’s one of the body’s clever little tricks to handle pathogens quickly. The secret weapon? HOCl doesn’t carry an electrical charge, so it can sneak right through the defenses that bacteria and viruses put up. Once inside, it gets down to business, scrambling the microbe’s DNA, proteins, and enzymes to knock it out—fast. And the best part? It’s strong on the bad guys but gentle on our own cells, so there’s no collateral damage.


How Does Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) Fight Bacteria?


So how exactly does HOCl make quick work of bacteria? It’s not a one-trick pony; this stuff hits bacteria from multiple angles, which is part of why it’s so effective. Here’s the breakdown:

hypochlorous acid fighting bacteria
  1. Membrane Disruption: HOCl causes oxidative stress, which breaks down the lipids (fats) in the bacterial cell membrane. Imagine a balloon popping—once that membrane breaks, the bacteria’s done for.

  2. Protein Damage: Next, HOCl targets certain amino acids in bacterial proteins—especially ones with sulfur, like cysteine and methionine. These proteins are essential for bacteria to survive, so when HOCl deactivates them, it’s game over for the bacteria.

  3. DNA Damage: HOCl can also damage bacterial DNA. It causes breaks in DNA strands, and without intact DNA, bacteria can’t reproduce or thrive, which leads to cell death.

  4. Biofilm Breakdown: Bacteria aren’t just floating around solo; they often create biofilms—a slimy, protective barrier that makes them harder to kill. But HOCl can actually penetrate these biofilms, breaking them down and leaving bacteria exposed and easier to eliminate.


In short, HOCl is like a multi-tool for your immune system. It disrupts the bacterial membrane, messes with proteins, damages DNA, and even breaks through biofilms. This stuff doesn’t give bacteria much of a fighting chance!


Not only is it an effective antimicrobial, but it’s also kind to sensitive skin. Many people tolerate it much better than some harsher antibacterial ingredients out there. So, if you’re looking to keep your skin clear or support its natural defenses, HOCl is a fantastic option—straight from the body’s own toolkit.


Hypochlorous Acid: A Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial


HOCl’s broad-spectrum action means it can kill a wide range of bacteria, from Gram-positive to Gram-negative types, including some that are more resistant to antibiotics. Here are a few that HOCl can tackle:


  • Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA)

  • Escherichia coli

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa

  • Streptococcus pyogenes


With such a range, it’s clear why HOCl has become essential in treating and preventing bacterial infections in everything from wound care to dermatology.


Hypochlorous Acid in Wound Care


In wound care, HOCl is widely used because it reduces bacteria without harming the healthy cells around it. Many antiseptics can be too harsh, killing bacteria but also damaging healthy tissue, which isn't good! HOCl is different—it specifically targets harmful bacteria, allowing wounds to heal faster, in a safe way.

Hypochlorous acid vs NACL
Wound Care in a Medical Setting Comparison

One big advantage of HOCl is that bacteria don’t easily develop resistance to it, unlike with antibiotics. Antibiotics usually target bacteria in specific ways, which lets bacteria gradually adapt. But hypochlorous acid attacks bacteria from multiple angles, making it really hard for them to build up any defenses.


How Hypochlorous Acid Stacks Up Against Other Antimicrobials


Compared to other antibacterial solutions like bleach, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide, HOCl offers a few unique perks:


  • Fast-Acting: It kills bacteria and viruses almost immediately, so you don’t have to wait for it to work.

  • Non-Irritating: Unlike bleach or alcohol, which can burn or sting, HOCl is gentle and safe for direct use on skin and wounds.

  • Versatile: HOCl works on bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it useful in many situations.

  • Safe for Regular Use: HOCl is non-toxic and can be applied multiple times a day without harm, which is ideal for people in healthcare or anyone who needs regular disinfection.


Where Is HOCl Used?

HOCl’s versatility has made it popular in a variety of settings:


hypochlorous acid in hospitals and healthcare

  • Healthcare and Hospitals: It’s used for disinfecting surfaces, equipment, and even wounds.

  • Skincare: HOCl is found in many skincare products for acne prevention, calming irritation, and cleansing the skin.

  • Home and Personal Care: HOCl products are available for household cleaning, providing a safe alternative to harsher chemicals.


Hypochlorous acid is widely recognized as safe across many different uses. In wound care, dermatology, and even eye care, it’s valued for being non-toxic, gentle, and unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Studies have shown it’s effective, even when dealing with infections that are hard to treat, like those from antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA. It doesn’t just stop at bacteria—HOCl also works against viruses and fungis!!


Final Thoughts


With concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on the rise, people are searching for safe and effective solutions like HOCl. Many traditional antibiotics and disinfectants are losing their edge as bacteria get better at dodging them. HOCl, on the other hand, hits bacteria in multiple ways—oxidative stress, breaking down cell membranes, disrupting metabolism—which makes it much harder for bacteria to build up resistance. This multi-attack approach makes hypochlorous acid a promising tool in dealing with resistant pathogens.


With HOCl, you get a highly effective antibacterial agent that works in different ways—oxidative stress, membrane breakdown, inactivating proteins, and even damaging bacterial DNA. Its broad-spectrum action, plus its safety and low risk of resistance, really make it a standout in wound care and infection prevention. As research continues, HOCl could play an even bigger role in healthcare and skincare.


Hypochlorous Acid and Skin Health


HOCl doesn’t just fight bacteria; it can help keep your skin clear. But let’s be real—external factors like stress can mess with your skin too, leading to redness and breakouts. That’s why it’s important to keep both internal and external factors in check. Want to know more about how stress affects skin? Check out our tips for managing stress-induced breakouts.


hypochlorous acid in skincare

FAQs on Hypochlorous Acid


  • How does hypochlorous acid kill bacteria? - HOCl disrupts bacterial cell membranes, oxidizes key components, and blocks metabolic functions, which leads to bacterial cell death.


  • Is hypochlorous acid safe for skin? - Yes! It’s gentle, non-toxic, and safe even for sensitive areas like the eyes or on wounds.


  • How does HOCl compare to other disinfectants? - HOCl is quick and effective, killing bacteria and viruses on contact, and it’s generally gentler than bleach or alcohol-based disinfectants.


  • Can bacteria become resistant to HOCl? - Because HOCl attacks bacteria in multiple ways, it’s much harder for them to develop resistance compared to antibiotics or single-action disinfectants.



DISCLAIMER: This article provides general insights on hypochlorous acid’s antibacterial action and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Honeydew Labs products, including our hypochlorous acid spray, are intended for cosmetic use to support healthy skin by helping reduce bacterial contamination.



References on Hypochlorous Acid:

  1. Winterbourn, C. C., & Kettle, A. J. (2013). Redox Reactions and the Chemistry of Reactive Oxygen Species in Neutrophils. Journal of Biological Chemistry.

  2. Albrich, J. M., McCarthy, C. A., & Hurst, J. K. (1981). Biological Reactivity of Hypochlorous Acid: Implications for Microbial Killing and Inflammation. Infection and Immunity.

  3. Hawkins, C. L., & Davies, M. J. (2002). Hypochlorous Acid-Induced Oxidation of Thiol Groups in Proteins: Formation of Sulfenyl Chlorides and Sulfonyl Derivatives. Biochemical Journal.

  4. Pattison, D. I., & Davies, M. J. (2001). Reactions of Hypochlorous Acid with DNA and Nucleosides: Formation of Chloramines and Nitrogen-Centered Radicals. Biochemistry.

  5. Kim, H., Park, H. D., & Lee, J. W. (2008). Penetration of Hypochlorous Acid into Biofilms and Its Effectiveness in Eradicating Biofilm-Associated Infections. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.

  6. Martino, G. P., Grieve, M. C., & Walker, R. J. (2015). The Antimicrobial Activity of Hypochlorous Acid: Mechanisms and Applications. Journal of Applied Microbiology.

  7. Wang, L., & Zhang, Z. (2018). Inactivation of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Hypochlorous Acid. Journal of Infection.

  8. Moore, Z. E., & Cowman, S. (2017). Hypochlorous Acid for Wound Healing. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

  9. Chin, A., & Leung, G. (2020). Resistance to HOCl in Bacterial Strains: A Rare Event. Journal of Antimicrobial Resistance.

  10. Kose, R., & Stein, R. (2019). Hypochlorous Acid Safety in Dermatological Applications: A Review. Journal of Cosmetic Science.

  11. McDonnell, G., & Russell, A. D. (1999). Antiseptics and Disinfectants: Activity, Action, and Resistance. Clinical Microbiology Reviews.

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