You may have heard about hypochlorous acid facial sprays which have become a buzzy skincare essential. Did the name stop you from reading any further about these because hypochlorous acid sounds more like a cleaning solvent than a beauty must? We see you.
The truth is you’re not entirely wrong in your thoughts. Hypochlorous acid—known scientifically at HOCI—is a weak acid (in chemistry talk this means is has low pH level much like citric acid) with powerful antimicrobial properties. It’s thought to be up to 100 times more powerful than bleach and is a common ingredient in surface cleaners, pool cleaners and facial cleansers. When used in micro, majorly diluted amounts in facial products it becomes the ultimate disinfectant for your skin, working miracles on everything from acne to eczema and psoriasis. It’s also amazing for calming the inflammatory effects of injectables and laser treatments.
Read on to learn more about HOCI and why you should be incorporating hypochlorous acid into your everyday skincare regime.
What is hypochlorous acid?
Canadian-made Hale Derma was one of the first to market with an HOCI spray which is formulated with a HOCI concentration of 0.02% per 200ppm. As explained by the brand, HOCI is a molecule produced by our white blood cells’ natural defence mechanism to neutralize pathogens. Hale Derma’s formula contains just three ingredients: HOCI, electrolyzed water and sodium chloride. The resulting product is not only incredibly hydrating and rejuvenating but encourages healing.
When should you use a hypochlorous acid spray?
The short answer: everyday! Incorporate it into your daily skin routine using morning and night to hydrate and restore balance. You will notice your skin not only feels fresher but has a bounce and glow to it. If you are having any invasive aesthetic services, post-service it will help to hydrate skin, heal treatment areas faster and reduce the risk of infection and breakouts. It’s also great to mist on for a mid-day skin boost and for after a sweat session at the gym. HOCI spray is also very effective in calming sunburns so pack one in your beach bag too.
Do hypochlorous acid sprays smell like chlorine?
You will notice a very slight pool-inspired scent, but the smell is less chemical, more light and fresh. With so many of today’s skincare formulas packing too much scent, I personally find this to be a welcome change. When I mist my skin with hypochlorous acid it feels and smells incredibly clean.
Do any skincare ingredients interact negatively with hypochlorous acid?
One to be mindful of is vitamin C. You can use vitamin C with hypochlorous acid, but the timing of when you use these products is what’s important. Hypochlorous acid is an oxidant, while vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means their interactions can affect efficacy. The two ingredients work perfectly together when you use hypochlorous acid first and allow it to dry completely on the skin, then apply vitamin C serum or cream. Because hypochlorous acid is calming, it can also help quell any irritation caused by vitamin C which is a problem for many of us with reactive skin.
The Best Hypochlorous Acid Products
These are top ones to shop now.
The Professional Pick
A favourite of derms and injectors you will likely see this one front and centre in their treatment rooms.
BUY: Hale Derma Spray, $39, pureandsimple.ca
The Extra-Gentle One
This one delivers a luxurious, ultra-fine mist of product to skin which dries in seconds leaving you ready for your next prep step, serums.
BUY: Hyrinity Hyacyn Active Purifying Mist, $84, bskinenvie.ca
The Viral One
You’ve likely seen this little orange bottle on TikTok. It blew up on the platform last year which means it can be tough to track down. When you find it, grab a few!
BUY: Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, $38, sephora.com
The Complete HOCI System
In a skincare industry first, Quebec-based brand Blumiral has made hypochlorous acid the star ingredient of a complete line of products: a cleanser, moisturizer, spray and serum. This collection is for you if you have super sensitive skin—it’s particularly amazing if you have rosacea.
BUY: Blumiral Non-Stripping Daily Cleanser, $45, Antioxidant Moisturizer, $90, Elixir de Blumiral, $40, and Clarifying Serum, $65, blumiralskincare.com
