What is Hypochlorous Acid, and why is it in my skincare products?
All About Hypochlorous Acid (HOCI)
Hypochlorous Acid is the latest ingredient to grace the shelves of our skincare. However, this component is an antiseptic. HOCI may have many uses in the medical field, but more claims are showing its positive benefits in the cosmetic world.
The Cleveland Clinic states, “HOCI exists in your body. It’s created by white blood cells as a defense system against infection, bacteria and general ickiness. HOCI attacks invading pathogens, breaking down the cell walls before destroying unhealthy invaders.”
Hypochlorous Acid is getting immense praise in the skincare community thanks to its ability to fight bacteria.
Benefits of Hypochlorous Acid
What benefits does this not-so-new kid on the block ingredient provide?
Heals Wounds & Fights Bacteria
HOCI has been around longer than you may believe, even though it’s popping up in skincare products. Its bacteria-fighting properties allow you to.
Generally Safe & Well Tolerated
The Cleveland Clinic says, “HOCI is nontoxic and handles this hard work while being incredibly mild on your skin. That gentleness is a byproduct of it being naturally produced by your body’s immune system.”
Therefore, it is minimally allergenic and poses little risk.
Versatile
Hypochlorous Acid can stay in your medicine cabinet or on your skincare vanity. This antiseptic can be used almost anywhere (check your product labels and advise your dermatologist) to treat acne, eczema, wounds, or inflammation.
What to Know Before Using HOCI
Are there any risks in incorporating HOCI into your beauty regimen? We mentioned this ingredient is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. However, always consult with your doctor or dermatologist. This will be useful if you want to layer HOCI with other ingredients.
How to Use Hypochlorous Acid
HOCI can give your skin a mid-day refresh or treat common skincare concerns. Doctorly’s YouTube video on Hypochlorous Acid goes in-depth on how to incorporate this component into your daily life.
In Between Sweat Sessions
Working out, sweating, or going to a gym may cause your skin to break out. However, a spray of
HOCI will refresh the skin and prevent irritation.
Using HOCI as a mid-day refresh, especially after a workout, ensures you don’t have to over-strip the skin with excess showers or remove your other skincare products. It’ll save time and product while switching through daily activities.
Soothe Acne and Eczema
The same article by the Cleveland Clinic claims HOCI “ works to combat inflammation and conditions such as eczema or psoriasis…and fights bacteria that causes clogged pores and acne.”
Clean the Beard
Does the man in your life have difficulty maintaining a skin regimen because of a beard? Beards can be challenging to clean, but a spray of Hypochlorous Acid will reduce the risk of bacteria spreading.
As a Hand Sanitizer
Finally, HOCI can double as a hand sanitizer in a pinch. It doesn’t leave a sticky residue for the alcohol smell, but it can disperse whispers of a chlorine scent in the air. However, HOCI dries down fast on the hands.
Always Double-Check With Your Derm
It’s helpful to consult a doctor or dermatologist to see how HOCI fits into your skin regimen. They can help create a plan or advise you on the best way to use HOCI based on your skin’s needs.
