May 16, 2023 | Categories: Beauty & Skin Care
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a weak acid naturally produced by the body’s white blood cells to defend against bacteria, infections, and any foreign bodies that may threaten the body’s health. It’s a chlorine oxoacid and the active form of chlorine in water.
Stabilized HOCl is considered an approved disinfectant against COVID-19 by the Environmental Protection Agency and is used in sprays to sanitize surfaces. Yes, this acid is so strong that it can kill the coronavirus on surfaces — so imagine what it can do for the bacteria on your face.
We spoke with esthetician Mallory Knight, owner of Knight & Day Skin Studio in Fullerton, California, and Steven Line, MD, a cosmetic medical physician and representative of the American Cosmetic Association, to help us understand more about this star acid.
Read on to learn more about the skincare benefits of this naturally occurring acid from skin experts.
HOCl is an effective antimicrobial agent that can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause skin infections. “HOCl also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness, swelling, and skin irritation,” Line told Glowsly. “Additionally, HOCl can help promote wound healing by stimulating the growth of new skin cells.”
It may also be beneficial for those that suffer from acne. “HOCI is antimicrobial, making it effective against P. Acnes/C. Acne bacteria clog pores and cause acne. It also oxygenates surrounding cells, which speeds up wound healing to repair damage. HOCl also reduces inflammation and can benefit skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis,” Knight said.
HOCl can be helpful to skin health in several ways. Here are some science-backed benefits of using hypochlorous acid topically:
“It would be excellent for use after waxing, as the skin can be irritated post-treatment, and the spray could calm and soothe the skin while also killing bacteria that could cause breakouts in the area,” Knight said.
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