What is Hypochlorous Acid and What Does it Do for Your Skin?
- 4 min reading time
Have you ever heard of hypochlorous acid? This powerful ingredient is quickly gaining popularity in skincare for its antibacterial and soothing properties. Whether you struggle with acne, sensitive skin, or just want to keep your skin healthy, hypochlorous acid can be a great addition to your skincare routine.
What is Hypochlorous Acid?
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a powerhouse ingredient that occurs naturally in our bodies, specifically in the immune system, where it helps fight bacteria and infections. In skincare, it is often praised for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. It is often used in sprays and toners to cleanse, soothe, and restore the skin, especially for inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema.
What does Hypochlorous Acid do for your Skin?
Hypochlorous acid has a wide range of benefits for your skin. It acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for soothing irritated or inflamed skin. It also has antibacterial properties, helping to fight acne and other skin infections. Additionally, it promotes wound healing and helps strengthen the skin barrier, which is essential for healthy skin.
What Ingredients Should You Not Combine Hypochlorous Acid With?
While hypochlorous acid is a versatile ingredient, it’s important to know what other ingredients you shouldn’t mix it with. Since it’s a highly active ingredient, it can react with other ingredients and reduce its effectiveness. Hypochlorous acid should not be mixed with highly active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, or exfoliants with AHAs and BHAs .
These ingredients can affect the pH balance of the skin, which can disrupt the functioning of hypochlorous acid. So it is wise to use hypochlorous acid in your routine at times when you are not applying other strong active ingredients. For example, use your retinol in the evening and the hypochlorous acid in the morning. As always, it is important to let one product absorb well before applying the next.
Does Hypochlorous Acid Interact With Other Ingredients?
Hypochlorous acid can interact with other ingredients, especially when the skin’s pH is disrupted. Since hypochlorous acid is effective in a slightly acidic pH environment, it may be less effective when it comes into contact with products that make the skin more alkaline, such as some forms of vitamin C or retinol. It is important to use products containing hypochlorous acid separately from other active ingredients to ensure they can work optimally without canceling each other out.
Are There Any Dangers of Using Hypochlorous Acid?
Hypochlorous acid is generally considered safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin. It’s a mild and gentle option that doesn’t come with harsh side effects like redness or dryness that are common with stronger ingredients. Still, it’s important to check the concentration of hypochlorous acid in products, as some formulas may be too strong for daily use.
It is always recommended to do a patch test before applying a new product containing hypochlorous acid, especially if you have sensitive skin or other skin conditions . Also, avoid inhaling the product and only use it in a well-ventilated area.
Is Hypochlorous Acid Anti-Fungal?
Hypochlorous acid also has antifungal properties. It is effective in fighting different types of fungi, making it a useful ingredient for treating skin conditions such as fungal infections. This makes it a versatile ingredient for the skin, especially if you are suffering from skin infections caused by bacteria or fungi.
Hypochlorous Acid and Vitamin C
Combining hypochlorous acid and vitamin C, as you may have read earlier, is not always advisable. Especially when using both in high concentrations. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that requires a low pH to function properly, and hypochlorous acid has a mild acidity. When both ingredients are mixed, the pH of the skin can be affected, reducing the effectiveness of both.
When using both ingredients one after the other, it is possible that their effects will be canceled out by each other. It is best to use products with hypochlorous acid and vitamin C at different times in your routine for best results.
When to Use Hypochlorous Acid in Your Skincare Routine?
Hypochlorous acid is best used after cleansing and before applying other active ingredients. This ensures that it effectively soothes and cleanses the skin, without getting in the way of other products. You can use hypochlorous acid as a toner or spray, or apply it directly to irritated areas. Use it daily or whenever you need an anti-inflammatory effect, such as acne or redness.
Shop Hypochlorous Acid Products at Boozyshop
Want to add hypochlorous acid to your skincare routine? At Boozyshop you will find a selection of products with hypochlorous acid, ideal for calming and cleansing the skin. We have everything you need for a healthy, radiant skin. Add hypochlorous acid to your routine and experience the benefits for yourself!
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