Having acne-prone skin can feel like a never-ending battle that no amount of clean eating or pimple patches can solve. Trust me, I’ve tried. And in a world with an endless supply of products that all claim to make your skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom, it’s hard to sort through the noise to get to the stuff that really works. If that feels relatable AF, we’ve got good news. There’s a new buzzy ingredient that has derms and TikTok skinfluencers absolutely raving. Enter: hypochlorous acid.
Hypochlorous acid is a powerful antimicrobial ingredient (which is found naturally in human white blood cells) known for its ability to tackle inflammation and irritation. And since it’s a weaker acid with a neutral pH, it’s a prime tool for fighting bad bacteria. It’s also helpful in getting rid of pesky acne, eczema, psoriasis, and even sun damage.
As someone who has tried everything under the sun to get the clear skin of my dreams—hello, spot treatments and retinoids!—this seemed too good to be true. I was skeptical. But after a few weeks of spritzing my forehead before and after workouts, I’m now a full-blown believer. Ahead, read on for everything you need to know about hypochlorous acid. Plus, browse the best products to add to your cart.
Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
A dedicated patient advocate, Dr. Hilal-Campo has always sought better solutions to improve quality of life. In her clinic, she identified a critical gap in the beauty industry after treating countless patients, primarily women, suffering from makeup-related irritation and dry eye. This led her to innovate a solution herself: she developed Twenty/Twenty Beauty to offer eye-safe formulas that allow people to enjoy cosmetics without risking their long-term eye health.
What is hypochlorous acid, anyway?
This viral “new” ingredient isn’t new at all—it’s been flowing through your veins the entire time. “Hypochlorous acid is a substance naturally produced by your white blood cells, specifically neutrophils,” says Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Twenty/Twenty Beauty. It “kills invaders,” she explains—just like white blood cells protect the body from infection and disease. So acne-causing bacteria don’t stand a chance.
“It eliminates 99.9% of bacteria within a minute,” elaborates Dr. Diane, noting that its antimicrobial powers also extend to certain fungi and viruses. Because it mimics a compound your body already makes, it’s gentle enough for both skin and eyes while still being tough on inflammation. Translation: You get the bacteria-fighting, redness-calming benefits without the sting, peeling, or barrier damage that can come from harsher acids and aggressive treatments. And unlike some actives that require careful spacing, hypochlorous acid can be used repeatedly throughout the day to refresh, rebalance, and reset your skin. Easy as that.
How does hypochlorous acid benefit your skin?
Hypochlorous acid is obviously an acne-fighter, but it has numerous benefits beyond getting rid of obnoxious forehead bumps and blackheads. “Not only does it kill bacteria and some viruses, but it’s also anti-inflammatory,” says Dr. Diane. Meaning, if you have any type of irritation—rosacea, eczema, dermatitis—it will help to calm things down. It can also reduce redness and even repair the skin barrier, which can easily be disrupted when facing the cold winter weather.
Plus, Dr. Diane adds that it “does not dry your skin out like many skincare products do.” So you can apply it numerous times throughout the day without worry of dry, flaky skin. A few spritzes in the morning, after the gym, and at night is all you need to keep those bacteria fighters armed and ready for battle.
How to incorporate hypochlorous acid into your skincare routine
There are a few ways to work hypochlorous acid into your routine. It really depends on your skin goals and your schedule. Dr. Diane recommends using it first thing in the morning, spraying it directly onto clean skin and “allowing it to air dry for a full minute” before layering anything on top. “This is very important because applying other skincare products too soon can neutralize or deactivate” the hypochlorous acid, she explains. Once it’s fully dry, go ahead and follow with your usual lineup—Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, SPF. No complicated rules or guidelines here.
While it’s most popular for calming breakouts and reducing redness on the face, it’s not limited to your cheeks and chin. You can mist it onto your hands, chest, back—anywhere bacteria likes to linger. “It is highly hydrating and works as a refreshing mist,” says Dr. Diane. This makes it perfect for post-workout spritzes, mid-day skin resets, or travel touch-ups. The only non-negotiable? Start with clean skin and seal it in with your favorite moisturizer to keep that barrier happy.
If you’re someone who lives for a good laser session or chemical peel, this is where hypochlorous acid really shines. “You can also use it after procedures like lasers or peels,” says Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Laser Derm and AziMD. In fact, she notes she prescribes it to all of her patients post-treatment to “help support the healing process.”
Because it’s “generally tolerated well on sensitive skin,” it’s a go-to for calming redness, soothing irritation, and keeping skin clean while it recovers—without the sting or drama. Think of it as that gentle, overachieving friend who shows up after the chaos and helps everything settle down.
The best hypochlorous acid sprays to shop now
Alyssa Rotunno, Contributing Writer
Alyssa Rotunno is a NYC-based writer with a focus on beauty, fashion, shopping, travel, and culture. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, InStyle, Travel+Leisure, Parade, and other national outlets, where she brings a sharp, timely lens to the products, places, and trends worth knowing. She’s endlessly curious about what people are talking about—and loves connecting the dots between trends, products, and real life.
Products included in graphics linked within article. Feature graphic images credited to: Glowbar Simple Solution, Bruna Da Silva | Dupe, Margaux Martinez | Dupe, Elevae, Tim Hasse | Dupe, Alina Latkovic | Dupe, Jayda Anderson | Dupe, and Desislava Slavova | Dupe.
