Hypochlorous Acid: Worth It of Just The Hype?
You’ve probably noticed a theme with my post-workout skincare. It doesn’t matter if it’s a walk, a Pilates class, or weight training—I will probably always finish with misting my face, chest, and back with a hypochlorous acid spray. Tbh I am not even exaggerating when I say that my workout doesn’t feel complete without finishing with this.
I should also preface that I will reference the Tower 28 SOS spray a lot in this blog. There are other great formulas on the market, Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue just so happens to be my ride-or-die. It sets the bar. I’m likely on my 20th bottle, and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.
I feel like I have already made it pretty clear where I stand even in the intro, but I’m all about hypochlorous acid (spoiler alert: totally worth the hype). I’ll get into my “why” throughout this blog.
Hypochlorous Acid 101
Per usual, I like to keep things simple and science-based. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a molecule your white blood cells naturally make as part of your immune defense. In skincare, labs recreate a pH-controlled, skin-safe version by electrolyzing salt water so it behaves like the real thing (in a bottle, of course).
So I know what you’re thinking, what makes this so special? It’s uniquely antimicrobial (I am looking at you post-sweat skin) and anti-inflammatory (bon voyage redness/reactivity) while being gentle enough for daily use when formulated for skin.
I did want to debunk one thing, hypochlorous acid helps the inflammation/microbe side of the equation, but it doesn’t replace your retinoid, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. Think of it as a reliable assist—not the entire team.
When I Use It
Ok some of this might be redundant, but I did want to do a specific section on when I use it before I go into how I use it. The easiest way to say it is I reach for HOCl right after I sweat—gym, run, stroller walk—especially when I can’t cleanse immediately. Travel days and long clinic shifts? It’s my quick, gentle way to calm cranky skin without layering a bunch of actives. I also want to highlight the fact that I use it on the areas of my body I consider “acne prone.” This includes my face, back, and chest.
How I Use It (My Real Routine)
I spray my face pretty much the second I finish my “activity”. Ideally, this tides me over until I get home to cleanse. Once I’m home, I use an active cleanser—usually Jan Marini Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% Wash or Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Cleansing Gel—and then continue with the rest of my AM routine.
To be honest, I’m a busy mom of two, so there are plenty of days I mist, wait ~3–4 minutes, then go directly into the rest of my routine (vitamin C → moisturizer → SPF). I wait those few minutes to give HOCl adequate contact time on the skin and to let it dry down, so I’m not diluting it or immediately interfering with its effect when I layer other products.
Is It Worth the Hype?
Not exactly a mystery at this point, but absolutely—yes. As an add-on step, hypochlorous acid earns its place. Especially if you’re active and prone to post-sweat breakouts, it’s a border-line must.
I kinda love these “worth the hype” blogs! Let me know the next topic I should cover! & if you have any questions about where HOCl fits into your routine? Drop a comment or DM me.
xx Amy
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