Hypochlorous Acid Is Trending in Skin Care and Cleaning—But Does It Work?

image via New Scientist

April 15, 2025, 1:00 PM

• •Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a powerful disinfectant that is more effective than bleach and safe for skin contact.
• •HOCl is naturally produced by the human body to fight infection and has various applications, including wound care and surface disinfection.
• •Despite its benefits, HOCl's instability and lack of shelf life have hindered its widespread adoption as a household product.
• •With advancements in manufacturing, HOCl products are becoming more available, raising questions about regulation and consumer trust.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a disinfectant naturally produced by the body, is more effective than bleach and safe for use on skin. This article explores HOCl's properties, its historical use, and its growing presence in commercial and consumer products. Despite its benefits, the instability of HOCl solutions has limited their widespread use. With new manufacturing processes emerging, the article discusses the potential of HOCl while also raising concerns about regulation and consumer trust.

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