Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBasicsUse in Skin CareUse as a DisinfectantUse in Wound CareSafety and Precautions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Basics
Use in Skin Care
Use as a Disinfectant
Use in Wound Care
Safety and Precautions
Hypochlorousacid is a versatile and powerful disinfectant used in skin care to treat acne and other conditions, prevent wound infections, promote healing, and kill germs in your surroundings.
It is also produced in your body. If you are injured, white blood cells in your immune system manufacture hypochlorous acid molecules to fight infection and help you heal.You may not be aware that you already use products containing hypochlorous acid or of the disinfectant’s many applications.
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Hypochlorous Acid Basics
A hypochlorous acid molecule (HOCl) is made of hydrogen, oxygen, and chlorine. It is a weak acid with a close-to-neutralpH level. A French chemist experimenting with chlorine first produced hypochlorous acid in 1834. By World War I, it was used to treat wounds and disinfect surfaces.
In the late 20th century, scientists found that hypochlorous acid exists naturally in all mammals, including humans, as part of the immune system, which fights infection.
How Do Hypochlorous Acid, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Bleach Compare?Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a powerful disinfectant that is safer and gentler than many other disinfectants, such ashydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂) orbleach(NaOCl).It is nontoxic, does not harm most surfaces, and leaves minimal residue.By contrast, hydrogen peroxideand bleachcan cause serious damage to the skin and lungs and can be fatal. They should be used only in well-ventilated areas, with limited exposure to the skin. They must be properly diluted for any on-skin applications.
How Do Hypochlorous Acid, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Bleach Compare?
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a powerful disinfectant that is safer and gentler than many other disinfectants, such ashydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂) orbleach(NaOCl).It is nontoxic, does not harm most surfaces, and leaves minimal residue.By contrast, hydrogen peroxideand bleachcan cause serious damage to the skin and lungs and can be fatal. They should be used only in well-ventilated areas, with limited exposure to the skin. They must be properly diluted for any on-skin applications.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a powerful disinfectant that is safer and gentler than many other disinfectants, such ashydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂) orbleach(NaOCl).It is nontoxic, does not harm most surfaces, and leaves minimal residue.
By contrast, hydrogen peroxideand bleachcan cause serious damage to the skin and lungs and can be fatal. They should be used only in well-ventilated areas, with limited exposure to the skin. They must be properly diluted for any on-skin applications.
Hypochlorous acid is used in skin care products to kill the bacteria that can lead to acne or dermatitis (irritation or inflammation of the skin).A popular form of hypochlorous acid is facial sprays or mists, which are promoted as calming and redness-reducing, as well as antimicrobial.
A Word From VerywellHypochlorous acid is used to treat psoriasis and acne and speed wound healing. It is also used in skin and eye care. Side effects are rare and generally mild. It should not be swallowed, inhaled, or allowed onto the eyeball. Ask your healthcare provider how to use it safely—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Hypochlorous acid is used to treat psoriasis and acne and speed wound healing. It is also used in skin and eye care. Side effects are rare and generally mild. It should not be swallowed, inhaled, or allowed onto the eyeball. Ask your healthcare provider how to use it safely—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Hypochlorous acid is used to treat psoriasis and acne and speed wound healing. It is also used in skin and eye care. Side effects are rare and generally mild. It should not be swallowed, inhaled, or allowed onto the eyeball. Ask your healthcare provider how to use it safely
—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Hypochlorous acid had been used in wound care for more than a century, but it took on added significance for another one of its properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found to destroy the SARS-CoV-2 virus within a minute of contact.
It continues to be used in hospital, home, and office settings as a mild but effective disinfectant. Hypochlorous acid is much stronger than bleach, but because it has a lower acidity and less salt, it is very gentle on surfaces (including the skin).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved hypochlorous acid for use on foods including meat, fruits, and vegetables, as well as in food-processing areas and on utensils and equipment.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved it for use in the National Organic Program, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved it as a no-rinse food sanitizer and for use in drinking water.
Hypochlorous acid is both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It is effective for treating wounds.
Hypochlorous wound care products are available for home use and in hospital settings. They can be used as an environmental disinfectant to prepare operating rooms and equipment. During surgery, they can be used to clean the surgical site to prevent infection or, afterward, to help sutures heal.
Despite its effectiveness, hypochlorous acid is mild and generally safe to use. However, some precautions must be taken.
Be careful that you are using hypochlorous acid and not similarly named agents such as hypochlorite solutions orchlorinebleaches, which can be dangerous.
Hypochlorous acid can lose its effectiveness against microbes unless it’s been stabilized so that temperature and light do not affect it as rapidly. If it degrades, it becomes similar to salt water. Newer manufacturing technology addresses this concern, but it’s recommended that hypochlorous acid be kept in a cool, dark place in an airtight, opaque (not clear) container.
Can You Make Hypochlorous Acid at Home?Hypochlorous acid is made using electrolysis, a process that puts an electric charge through a solution, in this case, water, salt, and sometimes vinegar. On-site systems that claim to produce hypochlorous acid are available.Some are sold for home use.You can also buy read-touse hypochlorous acid and tablets that produce hydrochlorous acid.If you try to make it yourself, be sure to follow all directions. Be aware that light, air, and high temperatures can cause it to lose its effectiveness.
Can You Make Hypochlorous Acid at Home?
Hypochlorous acid is made using electrolysis, a process that puts an electric charge through a solution, in this case, water, salt, and sometimes vinegar. On-site systems that claim to produce hypochlorous acid are available.Some are sold for home use.You can also buy read-touse hypochlorous acid and tablets that produce hydrochlorous acid.If you try to make it yourself, be sure to follow all directions. Be aware that light, air, and high temperatures can cause it to lose its effectiveness.
Hypochlorous acid is made using electrolysis, a process that puts an electric charge through a solution, in this case, water, salt, and sometimes vinegar. On-site systems that claim to produce hypochlorous acid are available.Some are sold for home use.
You can also buy read-touse hypochlorous acid and tablets that produce hydrochlorous acid.
If you try to make it yourself, be sure to follow all directions. Be aware that light, air, and high temperatures can cause it to lose its effectiveness.
Summary
Hypochlorous acid is a naturally occurring disinfectant that bodies produce to help heal wounds and prevent infection. It can also be manufactured, and today it is used in skin care products to treat acne and other skin conditions and as a treatment for wounds.
At home and in healthcare settings, it is an effective environmental disinfectant and is used to prevent infection in people during and after surgery. Hypochlorous acid is gentle but extremely effective, making it a versatile choice for many different applications.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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