Ingredient glossary
Hypochlorous Acid
On your shelf ✓What Hypochlorous Acid does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Hypochlorous Acid · Also: HOCl
In short: Hypochlorous Acid delivers antimicrobial and anti inflammatory, suits sensitive skin best, and the evidence behind it is moderate. One thing to know: needs the right pH to work.
- What it does
- Antimicrobial, anti inflammatory
- Best for
- Sensitive skin
- Watch out
- Needs the right pH to work
- Evidence
- Moderate
The molecule
The Glow take
The kind of ingredient sensitive skin quietly loves.
Hypochlorous Acid earns its place by calming things down: less redness, less sting, a happier barrier. Not a headline active.
— Maya
What it does
- antimicrobial
- anti inflammatory
- soothing
moderate evidenceEstablished in wound care. On skin the evidence is thinner: the atopic pruritus trial used an UNTREATED control rather than a vehicle, so expectation is not separated from effect, and stability after opening is a real problem rather than a caveat.
On a label: usually effective at 0.01-0.1%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- acne prone
- sensitive
- eczema prone
- compromised barrier
Approach with care
No specific group flagged to avoid it.
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
- pH-dependentIts effect depends on the product's pH
How it fits each skin type
- DryNeutral
- CombinationNeutral
- OilyNeutral
- SensitiveSuits
Often chosen for acne prone, eczema prone, compromised barrier.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- soothing agents
- niacinamide
- ceramides
Hypochlorous Acid, answered
Is Hypochlorous Acid safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Hypochlorous Acid is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Hypochlorous Acid?
No specific group is flagged to avoid Hypochlorous Acid. It is well tolerated by most skin. Still, introduce anything new one product at a time.
What concentration of Hypochlorous Acid actually works?
Hypochlorous Acid tends to do its job in the 0.01 to 0.1% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
Compare Hypochlorous Acid with
Can you mix Hypochlorous Acid with
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