Hypochlorous Acid Uses – A Miraculous Molecule for Skin, Hygiene, Cleaning, and Health

Hypochlorous acid is a miraculous molecule with many uses. In this article, I will not only explain what hypochlorous acid is and its benefits but also show you hypochlorous acid’s different uses in Skin, Hygiene, Cleaning, and Health.

In addition, I will show you what to look for in a hypochlorous acid product, give you a breakdown of different hypochlorous acid products, and even teach you how to make your own hypochlorous acid at home.

What is Hypochlorous Acid?

Hypochlorous acid, while not new, is finally starting to get the attention it deserves.

Hypochlorous acid was discovered in 1834 by a French chemist. Its use dates back to World War I, when it was successfully used as a wound disinfectant. However, due to its unstable nature, which tended to degrade rapidly, it never gained commercial success or widespread use—until now, partially due to better creation and stabilization methods.

Sometimes, hypochlorous acid is referred to as electrolyzed water or, more accurately, slightly acidic electrolyzed water. However, not all electrolyzed water is hypochlorous acid.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is produced in the body by white blood cells as a defense system against infection, bacteria, and viruses.

It is also one of the most potent disinfectants known to man, surpassing the disinfecting powers of traditional chlorine bleach by 40-100x. It has fast dwell times, unlike most commercial disinfectants, which need to sit on a surface for 10+ minutes to kill the most pathogens. Hypochlorous acid can kill most germs and bacteria in a minute or less.

Hypochlorous acid is a medical-grade disinfectant used in hospital settings. It kills 99.9% of bacteria, germs, mold, mildew, and viruses and has even proven effective against C-VID-19 and the flu.

You are probably now wondering how something so powerful can be safe and okay to use directly on the skin.

Well, besides being something you create in your own body, all you need to make hypochlorous acid is water, salt, electricity, and usually a little vinegar to control pH. It has been proven to be non-irritating to the eyes (it can even be used directly around the eyes) and skin. It does not require any PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), such as gloves and masks.

When water, salt (sodium chloride), and usually a pH adjuster like vinegar is combined via electrical charge through a process called electrolysis, they create a solution of free chlorine species, which is in hypochlorous acid.

Truthfully, it is the chlorine component that initially scared me off from it, but it shouldn’t have.

Is Hypochlorous Acid Diluted Bleach?

I see this statement made online a lot: hypochlorous acid is just diluted bleach. To be clear, bleach is used to describe the process of lightening or removing color and stains from surfaces or fabric. Different chemicals, like sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as traditional chlorine bleach, or even hydrogen peroxide, can have a bleaching effect.

Hypochlorous acid has many uses, but none of them are bleaching. It is very color-safe and can be used on a variety of surfaces and fabrics without worrying about lightning or removing color (however, it is probably a good idea to spot test if working with high concentrations).

So, while hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite, which is typically referred to as chlorine bleach, are similar in composition, sodium hypochlorite can also be made from water, salt (much higher amounts are needed), and electricity to form a higher amount of free chlorine species. They are two completely different chemicals with drastically different safety profiles.

Traditional chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) solutions tend to contain more chlorine and have a much higher pH, making them corrosive, caustic, and downright dangerous to inhale, get on the skin, or especially around the eyes.

You couldn’t just dilute sodium hypochlorite to make hypochlorous acid. You would also need to acidify it, which would create dangerous chlorine gases. So, while the end product may be safe, the process of making it wouldn’t be.

Conventional chlorine bleach solutions (sodium hypochlorite) emit VOC’s, and frequent exposures can create a whole host of health problems. None of these issues are the case with hypochlorous acid, which is both safe and eco-friendly.

What makes Hypochlorous Acid Safe for Skin?

Unlike sodium hypochlorite, which has a pH between 11 and 13, Hypochlorous Acid has a pH between 3-6. This is important for skin safety because healthy skin has a pH between 4.5 and 5.75.

Also, unlike some other disinfecting and sanitizing agents, it does not create resistant strains. It can even break down biofilms, which are colonies of microorganisms that stick to surfaces and are encased in a protective matrix. Most bad bacteria carry a negative charge, but because HOCI is neutral, it can penetrate the cell wall, and the negative effect on good bacteria is minimal.

Besides being safe for your skin, it helps with certain skin conditions, such as eczema and acne, for various reasons, such as effectively killing the bacteria that aggravate them, reducing inflammatory conditions, not destroying the skin barrier/microbiome the way other antibacterials could, and speeding up healing.

To sum it up, hypochlorous acid is a very safe, super-effective, no-rinse sanitizing-disinfecting-antiseptic solution.

Now that I have explained what hypochlorous acid is and why it is so safe let’s discuss some of its uses.

Hypochlorous Acid Uses

Since hypochlorous acid has so many uses, I have divided it into categories for Skin, Hygiene, Cleaning, and Health.

*This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate disclosure. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Hypochlorous Acid Uses Skin

• Hypochlorous Acid can be used topically to treat skin conditions caused or worsened by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or inflammation, including different skin sensitivities such as rashes, dermatitis, eczema, acne, rosacea, and potentially psoriasis.
• Can be used to disinfect the skin prior to skin treatments like microneedling, dermaplaning, or extractions and can also be used to disinfect the tools.
• You can spray your face after a workout to kill the bacteria when you can’t wash it right away.
• Can be used to keep your makeup brushes bacteria-free between washes by spraying after use.
• Can be used to keep all your personal care and skincare tools clean.
• Use before and after hair removal to prevent ingrown hairs. It is a potential aftershave alternative. Clean your razor blades with them before and after shaving.
• It can help treat and relieve sunburns thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Hypochlorous Acid Uses Hygiene

• Can replace your hand sanitizer.
• Deodorant, either used on its own or under your regular deodorant to increase its effectiveness.
• Can be used in a pinch when not able to take a shower by wiping down or spraying any areas that need it.
• Great for your gym bag to wipe down workout equipment or spray athletic gear.
• It is also effective at sanitizing toothbrushes and tongue scrapers between uses.
• Can also be used to keep your water flossers clean by running a solution of hypochlorous acid through them. Hypochlorous acid can also be used in your water flosser for an effective oral care treatment.
• Use to disinfect phones, earbuds, remote controls, gaming consoles, and other small electronic devices.
• Spray your pillowcase in between washes to prevent acne.
• Spray your reusable cloth masks to prevent maskne.
• Spray high-touch surfaces, such as shopping carts, door handles, restaurant highchairs, changing stations, etc., with hypochlorous acid before use.

Hypochlorous Acid Uses Cleaning

• General cleaning solution/disinfectant that is safe for any water-safe surface.
• Can be used to kill mold and mildew.
• Spray the inside of your front load washer door between the rubber gaskets to prevent mold and mildew.
• Great deodorizer can be used in place of other fabric refreshers for rugs and furniture.
• Hypochlorous acid is one of the most effective and safest solutions for cleaning the inside of your fridge and freezer, as it disinfects and deodorizes.
• After use, spray dish brushes and reusable scrubbing pads with hypochlorous acid. While you could also spray sponges with it, they absorb dangerous bacteria and viruses at their core, so it’s far better to ditch those.
• Consider spraying water bottles, reusable bags, thermoses, sippy cups, bottles, straws, and other hard-to-clean handwash items with hypochlorous acid before letting them air dry.
• Can be used to clean dishes and utensils when water is scarce. It is great to go camping.
• Speaking of camping, spray down your camping gear between trips to prevent mold and mildew.
• Also great to spray on outdoor patio furniture to prevent mold and mildew.
• Can be used to pretreat laundry to remove strong odors. Or even sprayed on clothes between washes to keep them fresh.
• Use it as a safe way to clean toys, especially bath toys. It can even be sprayed on plush toys. There is no need to rinse.
• Great for all baby gear like strollers, car seats, high chairs, and even diaper bags.
• Use a fogging machine or atomizer with hypochlorous acid inside to sanitize the air and surfaces.
• Clean hard-to-wash accessories like hats, backpacks, and purses; even spray your shoes.
• Spray down your luggage once returning from a trip.
• Pretreat clothing with odors by spraying it down before washing. For better disinfection, you can also spray high-germ items like cloth diapers with hypochlorous acid before washing.
• Preserve fresh-cut flowers by adding a few ounces to the vase of water so they last longer.
• It makes a great yoga mat cleaner, as not all solutions are yoga mat safe, and you don’t want to use a toxic product to clean your yoga mat.
• Keep your humidifier clean by spraying it with hypochlorous acid after emptying.
• You can clean and deodorize your car with hypochlorous acid.

Hypochlorous Acid Uses Health

• Wound cleaning and healing (including burns). A first aid kit must, as it’s by far the safest antiseptic option available.
• Water treatment. Just as chlorine bleach can be used to purify drinking water, hypochlorous acid can be used at the same concentrations.
• Mouth rinse (kills pathogens responsible for gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay). Here is a study showing how effective a treatment for periodontitis it is.
• Can be soothing for toothaches.
• Cleaning produce or any food (USDA says it doesn’t even need to be rinsed off).
• Treat mouth ulcers & canker sores. It may also help with cold sores and warts.
• Use it on bug bites to help them heal faster and minimize the itching.
• Approved eyelid treatment for blepharitis, styes, and other infections. It can provide quick relief from dry eyes and possibly eye irritation caused by seasonal allergies used externally.
• Use as a throat spray to relieve throat infections.
• Prevent virus spreading and keep yourself and your kids from getting sick by spraying on a Q-tip, cleaning the inside of the nose/ears, and spaying the back of the throat after potential exposure.
• You can also use hypochlorous acid in your Nettie Pot for nasal irrigation.
• Tattoo, piercing, and laser treatment aftercare.
• Use as a scalp spray for treating bacterial and fungal infections on the scalp.
• Used as a foot spray to provide odor control and fight or prevent foot fungus.
• It could potentially be an effective treatment against many different bacterial, viral, fungal, and yeast infections.
• Antiseptic for use in the care of patients with C-VID-19 or potentially other infections (don’t believe me, check out this study and this one. This stuff has impressive potential)!

So, basically, hypochlorous acid is the jack of all trades (the duct tape of chemicals, the Swiss army knife of your medicine cabinet, the equivalent of the Magical Windex from My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and the most amazing thing ever to hit your medicine, cleaning, and skincare cabinet!

I am bummed that I have lived this long without it. I remember when I first learned about hydrogen peroxide, which is also a fantastic, safer disinfectant, a multi-use product, and something your body naturally makes. I was so blown away that I switched all my cleaning products to safer DIY versions and even wrote my book Easy Green Cleaning.

It’s time to update that book because hypochlorous acid blows even the fantastic 3% Food-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide I know and love out of the water in several use cases!

However, I am going to stick with hydrogen peroxide for whitening and stain removal.

Make sure to download the FREE Hypochlorous Acid Uses Guide for a breakdown of all the uses in more detail!

Hypochlorous Acid Safety, Cautions, and Considerations

Hypochlorous acid has been classified as non-hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Hypochlorous acid has also been tested for eye irritation, skin irritation, and toxicity. The results showed that it is non-toxic and non-irritating.

As safe as hypochlorous acid is, there are a few cautions and considerations to consider before using it.

The safety of hypochlorous acid depends on its concentration and pH. Stick with 200 ppm or lower (especially for topical use), as it will be just as effective as higher concentrations with less risk. Also, make sure the pH is between 4 and 6 for safe use.

Another consideration is that hypochlorous acid is not very stable; once opened, you are probably only going to get 90 days of use. If you make your own, that time is shorter, although you can do things to extend its shelf life, like using soft/purified or distilled water and keeping in an opaque plastic bottle away from heat. You can use pH and chlorine testing strips to check and see if your product is still good.

Some new patented stabilization methods make hypochlorous acid products last a lot longer, which is another reason they’ve become more commercially available. Some products list the shelf life, but again, it is good to use chlorine testing strips to verify.

Another potential issue with hypochlorous acid is that it is an oxidant. Which means it competes with antioxidants.

Here is some fun information about how your immune system works. Your immune system produces hypochlorous acid when hydrogen peroxide reacts with chloride ions through the enzyme myeloperoxidase. While Hypochlorous Acid is a crucial part of the immune response as it fights against pathogens, excessive production can damage healthy cells. That is where antioxidants come in to help neutralize its oxidative effects by scavenging reactive oxygen species.

This is important for two reasons. First, antioxidants are very popular in skin care for that same reason, and the use of hypochlorous acid and vice versa can impact antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A (retinoids).

I have heard many dermatologists say you combat this by leaving some space between the time you apply hypochlorous acid and skincare products containing antioxidants. However, the time different dermatologists give ranges from a few minutes to a few hours, or you can use them at different times of day, like one in the morning and one in the evening.

I discuss the proper way to use hypochlorous acid for skincare in the Hypochlorous Acid Uses Guide.

The second reason it is important is that you don’t want too much oxidation, so staying away from overuse or using an antioxidant alongside hypochlorous acid after it has had time to do its job may not be a bad idea. After all, that’s how your immune system works.

Truthfully, while hypochlorous acid has become very popular in skincare, the only reason to use it regularly is if you currently have a condition caused or worsened by bacteria, fungus, viruses, or inflammation. If you don’t have any of those issues, there is no reason to use it as a regular part of your skincare routine.

Since hypochlorous acid kills bacteria, there are, of course, concerns that it could also kill beneficial bacteria. A study completed in 2017 used hypochlorous acid on eyelids. The study results showed that while it was able to reduce the problematic bacterial load, it did not alter the diversity of bacterial species or cause significant loss of commensal bacteria. However, it would be nice if more studies were completed to solidify the results.

Finally, while it is generally safe to use (considering your body makes it), that does not mean certain people can’t react to it. So, if you notice any redness, itching, or burning, stop using it. Also, be careful about inhalation as it can be irritating to the respiratory system, although it is far less irritating than other chemical disinfectants.

Overusing hypochlorous acid can potentially cause issues, as can using too strong a concentration for specific applications. Basically, don’t overdo it when using it topically, and stop using it if you have any adverse reactions.

What to Look for When Purchasing Hypochlorous Acid:

These are the things you want to take into account when purchasing Hypochlorous Acid.

Price: The price of premade hypochlorous acid varies greatly. Considering that it’s all the same stuff and the ingredients are very basic, you are not going to get any additional benefits from spending more money. Also, getting a bigger size, even though it may look like it could save you money, may not be ideal, as this stuff, once opened, probably won’t last more than 90 days at the same potency.

Shelf Life: The shelf life of commercial hypochlorous acid products can vary significantly. Usually, products that have a long shelf life it tends to be listed in their marketing. If they don’t, it could mean their shelf life isn’t that long. Either way, use chlorine test strips periodically with any hypochlorous acid product to verify.

Ingredients: Again, you want the basics here. The only things that should be listed on the ingredient labels are some water, sodium chloride (salt), and hypochlorous acid. Vinegar (or other safe pH-balancing acid) would also be acceptable. Stay away from products that have anything else listed, as it could change the chemical makeup or cause irritation.

Packaging: Packaging is an important consideration. You want it packaged in an opaque plastic bottle (not glass unless it’s completely opaque), as any light will cause the product to start to break down. You also want it to have a good-quality spray nozzle that produces the type of mist that best suits your needs. Finally, the size is important here. You may want a 1-2 oz bottle for your purse vs. paying less for an 8 oz bottle that is less travel-friendly. Once you find the packaging you like, you should save it so you can use it if you decide to make your hypochlorous acid one day. However, I do not recommend reusing packaging from products that are not hypochlorous acid, as spray nozzles can be hard to clean and can cause contamination.

pH: Another important consideration is the product’s pH. Unfortunately, very few products have the pH listed, so you may need to test yourself after purchase. While hypochlorous acid’s pH can range anywhere between 3.5 and 6.5, if you are going to be using it topically or for skincare, you want it between 4 and 6 or more, ideally 4.5 and 5.5.

Concentration: This is the most significant consideration when purchasing, and the concentration you want will depend on what you are going to use it for. The concentrations you can purchase range from .005%/50ppm to .05%/500ppm. However, it seems like many hypochlorous acid products available to purchase are between .014%/140ppm and .018%/180ppm. I noticed that many Hypochlorous Acid products are also no longer listing their ppm, which is pretty fishy and makes getting a useful product that much harder.

PPM stands for Parts Per Million and indicates the amount of free chlorine in the product. Keep in mind that you can always dilute to a weaker concentration using purified water, but you can’t increase the concentration. Also, stronger concentrations are not necessarily better or more effective for most things. It’s better to start at a lower concentration and work your way up if needed.

You can find a breakdown of the recommended use concentrations in my FREE Hypochlorous Acid Uses and Instructions Guide.

Hypochlorous Acid Products

Now that I have explained what you are looking for when purchasing let’s explore some of the hypochlorous acid products that are commercially available. Keep in mind that despite the advertisements for different uses, they are all the same stuff, usually just at different concentrations.

Later, I will discuss how to save money by making hypochlorous acid yourself.

Hypochlorous Acid Spray for Skin

The most popular product in this category is the Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray, which arguably helped to put Hypochlorous Acid on the map, at least in the skincare world. It’s a well-reviewed spray but very expensive for the amount you get.

The mini 1oz version may be worth it as a travel-sized bottle that is easy to keep in your purse, used as a hand sanitizer, and refilled. However, the bottle, unfortunately, isn’t completely opaque. I purchased the mini version and tested it with my chlorine test strips, but I was disappointed to find it was only 50 ppm, which is below an adequate threshold for most uses. They claim to use advanced stabilization technologies, so maybe I just got a bad batch, but that is why it is so critical to purchase the chlorine test strips and test for yourself.

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One of the most budget-friendly but just as effective hypochlorous acid products in this category would probably be the BRIOTECH Topical Skin Spray. I also purchased and tested this version, and the test showed it was above 150 ppm, which is great, but potency reduced dramatically after a few weeks.

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The e11ement Face and Skin Spray is a well-priced option that comes in a variety of sizes, including the coveted 2 oz size and a larger refill option.

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SkinSmart seems to be another budget-friendly option. Their marketing is interesting as they sell the exact same product with different labels. For example, there is a Facial Cleanser, Wound Therapy, Eczema Therapy, and even Foot Cleanser.

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Hypochlorous Acid Gels and Serums

This hypochlorous acid product category is the only one with ingredients different from the basic hypochlorous acid to form a gel or serum. The main advantages of using a gel or serum product are the staying power and added moisturization.

The BRIOTECH Skin Serum is a highly rated skin serum with good-quality ingredients.

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This BRIOTECH Abrasia Gel says it is for Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Sunburns, but it has the exact same ingredients as the Skin Serum version.

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The Tower 28 SOS Intensive Rescue Serum for Sensitive Skin is once again the higher-priced option but still worth mentioning.

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Hypochlorous Acid Eye, Nose, and Mouth Treatments

The Avenova Eyelid and Eyelash Cleanser is really pricy for the amount but at the correct dilution to use around the eyes. The bottle not being opaque isn’t ideal either.

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The Optase Protect Eyelid Cleansing Spray is a much more cost-effective option but should be diluted some for eyelid use.

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This Sinus Plumber Hypochlorous Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide Nasal Spray is used to control cold and flu. I am showing this product to show another use for hypochlorous acid. I recommend instead just spraying a cotton bud with some hypochlorous acid and cleaning the inside of the nose or using pure hypochlorous acid in a nettie pot.

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BRIOTECH Pure Hypochlorous Acid Oral Swish is an excellent mouthwash option that can also be used in a water flosser.

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Hypochlorous Acid Cleaning Sprays

This PURE Hypochlorous Acid Mult-Purpose Cleaning Spray, which comes in an opaque bottle, claims to have a superior shelf life.

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This BRIOTECH Sanitizer Disinfectant Hypochlorous Spray is slightly less expensive but comes in a clear plastic bottle, which isn’t ideal.

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This CleanSmart Daily Surface Cleaner and Pet-Safe Disinfectant is just hypochlorous acid and water.

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You can also save some money by purchasing a larger bottle of the BRIOTECH Sanitizer and Disinfectant.

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Suppose you are looking for a DIY/Pre-Made Hypochlorous Acid Cleaning Spray Hybrid. Force of Nature is just that. You get a small hypochlorous acid generator big enough to fill one spray bottle and refill activator capsules that contain salt, water, and vinegar. So, if for some reason you don’t want to measure your own, it’s a good and inexpensive option compared to purchasing pre-made. It also comes with a reusable spray bottle, but it’s clear, and as mentioned, I highly recommend using an opaque one.

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If you would like a visual demonstration of how well Force of Nature cleans and kills bacteria, check out this video from Field of Focus. She specializes in using different cleaners and incubating bacteria in Petri dishes to give visual proof of the effectiveness of their claims. As mentioned, Force of Nature is just a hypochlorous acid generator sold with premade capsules of water, vinegar, and salt. So, this video overall helps to demonstrate the effectiveness of hypochlorous acid.

It is important to mention that while some of these are great products, most of them are essentially the same thing: hypochlorous acid. That is why I still recommend purchasing them for packaging purposes and making your own to save money and have more control over concentration.

Making Hypochlorous Acid

With all of the uses for hypochlorous acid, and it is so easy and inexpensive to make with ingredients you already have around your house, I highly recommend making your own.

To Make Hypochlorous Acid You Need:

• Water (while tap water is acceptable, it is far better to use purified/softened or distilled water to extend shelf life).
• Non-Iodized Salt
• Distilled White Vinegar
• Hypochlorous Acid Generator
• Chlorine Test Strips
• pH Test Strips or pH Meter
• Opaque Plastic Spray Bottles
• Labels or Label Maker

You will want to read the instructions on the generator you decide to purchase. While you don’t need to test the potency and pH each time, if you are using the same source of water and ingredients, you will until you perfect your batch. Then, you will want to use the pH test strips to see how long it lasts at a strong enough potency.

If you are more of a visual learner, here is a video by a YouTuber named Bernard Jin DMD that walks you through how to make it.

I find a batch can last me three weeks to a month at a strong enough potency, but with all its uses, I can usually use most of it up before it starts to lose potency. With each batch, I make two 16 oz spray bottles for cleaning and decant some into a smaller 1 oz bottle for my purse and a 4 oz bottle I keep in my bathroom.

This one by Eco One Hypochlorous Acid Generator is the one I currently recommend as it comes with both pH and chlorine testing strips and the most customization for strength.

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Most of the negative reviews are because it doesn’t come with an instruction manual, but you can find the Eco One User Manual here.

There is also this Micro, Portable Hypochlorous Acid Generator if space or price is an issue, but I personally prefer one with a built-in pitcher.

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While I know it’s more expensive up front, making your own hypochlorous acid at home and being able to control the concentration, which I go into more detail about in the hypochlorous acid uses guide, is going to save you so much money in the long run.

Hypochlorous Acid Uses Summary:

Please leave a comment to let me know what you think of hypochlorous acid and, if you are already using it, what you are using it for.

This article covered a lot, including what hypochlorous acid is and its history. We also discussed its uses in skin, hygiene, cleaning, and health.

We discussed its safety, cautions, and considerations. We also broke down different hypochlorous acid products and what to look for when purchasing one.

Finally, we discussed how to make hypochlorous acid yourself using a hypochlorous acid generator.

We went over a lot, and this could have been broken down into multiple posts, but I wanted everything in one place so it’s easy to reference.

Speaking of easy-to-reference, don’t forget to download the FREE Hypochlorous Acid Uses Guide.

FREE Hypochlorous Acid Uses Guide

It will break down more information on the different uses and dilutions recommended for those different uses.

I will also explain in more detail how to use hypochlorous acid spray for skin, as a mouth rinse, and for eczema.

So don’t delay. Get it now!

Here are some other posts you may enjoy!

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