Hypochlorous Acid: The Acne Game-Changer You've Been Waiting For
SKINCARE
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If you’ve been battling acne, you know how frustrating it can be to find a solution that actually works. Since entering perimenopause, my skin has been a whole new kind of frustrating. Hormonal shifts have triggered breakouts I can’t seem to make go away. But recently, I discovered hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a lesser-known skincare ingredient that’s quickly becoming my go-to for clear, healthy skin. It's a total game-changer for calming inflammation and preventing breakouts.
What is Hypochlorous Acid?
At first glance, “hypochlorous acid” sounds like something you’d find in a chemistry lab. Chemically, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a weak acid formed when chlorine dissolves in water. Despite its scientific-sounding name, it’s actually something your body naturally produces. Your white blood cells use HOCl as part of your immune system to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens.
This is why it’s so effective in skincare. HOCl is essentially a natural disinfectant. Harsh chemicals like benzoyl peroxide can dry out and irritate the skin, but HOCl works in a way that’s both safe, gentle, and compatible with your skin’s biology.
How Hypochlorous Acid Helps With Acne
Acne forms when pores get clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. While hormonal fluctuations play a role in some breakouts (more on that later), most acne is fueled by bacteria and inflammation. Hypochlorous acid helps on both fronts:
Kills acne-causing bacteria: HOCl disrupts bacterial cell walls without harming your skin. This makes it especially effective for body acne, which is often harder to treat with topical products due to thicker skin and hard-to-reach areas.
Reduces inflammation: Unlike harsh chemicals that can exacerbate redness and irritation, HOCl helps calm inflammation. This means your existing pimples heal faster, and your skin feels less reactive overall.
Supports skin healing: Because HOCl is naturally produced by your body, it’s gentle and won’t compromise your skin barrier. It’s safe for sensitive skin types and can even aid in the healing of minor wounds or irritations.
In short, hypochlorous acid works differently from traditional acne treatments. Instead of stripping your skin, it helps restore balance while tackling bacteria and inflammation, two of the main drivers of acne.
My Experience Using Hypochlorous Acid
When I first started using HOCl, I didn’t have high expectations. I was already juggling several products in my routine, from gentle cleansers to serums and spot treatments. But within a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed a dramatic improvement in my body acne. My back and chest cleared up entirely.
My facial acne and breakouts have also improved significantly. That said, HOCl wasn’t a miracle for my hormonal acne (the breakouts along my jawline during certain times of the month still appear, though the amount has been significantly reduced).
I incorporate it into my routine morning and night. After I cleanse my face, skin flood, apply toners/serums, and moisturize, I mist my face with Briotech hypcholrous acid. I also spray my chest and back (no need to rinse, just let it dry). I repeat again at night.
And that's all there is to it. Easy peasy. There is a very faint, bleach-like smell when you first spray it, but it fades as the solution dries on your skin. Within the first month of use, my chest and back acne completely disappeared, and my facial acne was almost nonexistent. My skin was calmer and much less prone to flare-ups.
Please keep in mind, this isn't a cure all. Diet still plays a huge part in how clear my skin is. I've noticed when I tend to eat higher amounts of sugar, my acne is worse than when I'm eating clean.
The Science Behind Why It Works
HOCl’s effectiveness comes down to its ability to mimic your body’s natural defenses. Unlike harsh antiseptics, which indiscriminately kill both good and bad bacteria, HOCl selectively targets harmful bacteria, specifically Cutibacterium acnes which contributes to clogged pores and inflammation, while leaving beneficial bacteria mostly untouched.
It also regulates inflammation at the cellular level. Acne isn’t just about bacteria; it’s also an inflammatory condition. By calming inflammatory responses, HOCl helps your skin heal faster and reduces redness. This is why it’s so effective for body acne, where irritation and inflammation can make pimples linger for weeks.
Fun Fact: HOCl Isn’t Just for Acne
Did you know that hypochlorous acid is one of the only hand sanitizers proven to kill COVID-19 and norovirus? It’s a powerful disinfectant, which is why it’s used in hospitals and food preparation environments. The same gentle chemistry that makes it safe for skin is what allows it to target harmful pathogens without harsh chemicals.
So, if you’re looking for a product that’s effective on acne and has some bonus sanitizing powers, HOCl is worth exploring. I bought some for my home and with three elementary school-aged kids, I use it often.
Here is the one I use: Briotech Sanitizer Disenfectant
I even bought small, sanitizer spray bottles that my kids keep in the backpacks to use at school. It's especially helpful when they can't get to the bathroom during class to wash their hands: SkinSmart Skin & Hand Cleanser
Bottom Line
Hypochlorous acid has transformed my skincare routine. While it’s not a cure-all for hormonal acne, it significantly reduces body and facial breakouts, calms inflammation, and supports skin healing. If you’ve struggled with stubborn pimples or want a gentle, science-backed solution, HOCl is a must-try.
Using it consistently has made a noticeable difference in my skin’s clarity, and it could do the same for you. Beyond acne, it’s versatile enough for general skin care, wound care, and even as a safe, effective sanitizer.
Using HOCl consistently not only improved my skin but also simplified my routine, allowing me to spend more time enjoying self-care instead of stressing over pimples.
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