WHAT IS HYPOCHLOROUS ACID?
The word acid may sound daunting, but team it with “hypochlorous,” and it instantly turns into one of the safest, most effective cleansing ingrediens in your skin-care repertoire, as a detox cleanser, face wash, and so much more. Despite being 100 times stronger than bleach – truth! -- hypochlorous acid (a.k.a., HOCL) is actually a super-gentle, naturally-occurring enzyme in the body with anti-inflammatory properties that tackle a whole host of issues, from acne to rashes, cuts to burns; even on the most sensitive skin. Uses for hypochlorous acid even extend far beyond skincare, too, thanks to its powerful ability to kill germs and microorganisms on contact.
HOCL’S GROWING POPULARITY
While HOCL acid is certainly the cool kid on the block, its growing popularity takes it firmly out of the trend zone and into the mainstream; thanks, in part, to decreased manufacturing costs, large-batch technology, and an increased shelf life. Created naturally by white blood cells in the skin as an infection-defense system that attacks pathogens and breaks down cell walls, this healing molecule is so effective, it’s actually a proven disinfectant against COVID bacteria. (A stat confirmed by the explosive demand seen during and after the epidemic.) Today, skin-compatible HOCL is used in an increasingly wide range of products, including facial sanitizers, skin serums designed to help repair damage, healthcare and school disinfectants, and even pool cleaners!
SKINCARE & MEDICAL APPLICATIONS
With many powerful properties, HOCL can help soothe and care for disruptions to your skin barrier. HOCL is a natural choice to integrate into any daily skincare and wellness routine. Just a few places this wonder ingredient fits the bill…
As a daily skin cleanser: Hypochlorous acid-based products have the innate ability to not only serve as ideal skin cleansers, but they’re also perfect for calming, soothing, and even healing everything from breakouts to cuts, burns, razor irritations, bumps, and a buffet of other skin flares. These alcohol-free cleansers are particularly gentle and non-irritating.
As an eyelid and eyelash cleanser: Clogged and irritated lids, lashes, and tear ducts, along with ingrown hairs and clogged skin pores, are known to cause discomfort and redness. Using an eyelid and eyelash cleanser formulated with HOCL delivers fast, comforting relief to these tender areas.
As an itch-relief spray: Bring that relentless scratching to a screeching halt by choosing an itch-relief spray that contains HOCL – it’s the perfect pick to quickly soothe and calm itching caused by pesky insect bites, poison oak, hives, ingrown hairs, razor burn, rashes, piercings, and other common skin irritations.
As a mouthwash and oral cleanser: Yes, an HOCL-stocked mouthwash or oral cleanser will safely and effectively crush bad breath contact; but it’s the first line of defense when soothing and eliminating minor mouth and gum irritation, pain from oral piercings, pesky canker sores, and even discomfort from dental work or orthodontia. It’s safe for children, too!
HOW TO USE HYPOCHLOROUS ACID
Unlike other acid-based skin products that need to be slowly introduced into your care routine to avoid irritation, hypochlorous acid formulas – gentle enough for everyday use – allow you to jump right in. While the cleansing sprays are not a full replacement for traditional soap or, say, melting balms that remove layers of makeup, they’re a perfect antibacterial detox face wash; an add-on to your daily routine that helps to stave off everything from redness to acne and even clogged pores. When added to serums, mouthwashes, and first-aid sprays, HOCL tackles a myriad of concerns, including scrapes, burns, mouth irritation, and more without stinging.
WHO SHOULD USE HYPOCHLOROUS ACID
Given that HOCL occurs naturally in the body, and the antimicrobial benefits are plentiful, products containing the ingredient deem it safe for virtually everyone -- including children, and those with ultra-sensitive skin who are prone to eczema or acne and need to avoid harsh chemicals and cleansers without alcohol. The other big benefit? Hypochlorous acid skincare is an affordable alternative to pricey department-store and spa collections, with proven efficacy that stands up to the most luxe cleansing spray or calming tonic.
SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS OF USING HOCL
As long as you’re using an HOCL formulation as it’s intended to be used (i.e., not gargling with a product designed to clean hospital floors!), the ingredient is incredibly safe across the board. Concentrations designed for the body, like cleansing spray or mouthwash -- have been thoroughly tested for consumer safety, with no reported side effects. HOCL strengths do vary depending upon use: A facial mist, for example, will likely be diluted to 250 parts per million compared to, say, your everyday surface cleaner. And while HOCL is considered perfectly safe even for people with sensitive skin, it’s always a smart idea to follow instructions on labels to make sure you’re using the product correctly. (Some manufacturers, for example, advise avoiding combining HOCL with other skincare acids, like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic, in order to avoid irritation.)
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HYPOCHLOROUS ACID
Do dermatologists recommend using hypochlorous acid?
Not only do many dermatologists sell HOCL-based skincare products in their offices, but you’ll also find the solution in healthcare settings, used to maintain sterile surgical procedures, and to help heal open wounds, cuts, and abrasions.
How long does it take for hypochlorous acid to work?
HOCL’s cleansing powers work on contact, which is why its use literally exploded during and after the COVID epidemic. It’s also an ideal everyday option for personal use…to stash in gym bags, on bathroom counters with other skincare products, and even in mouthwash.
What should you not use hypochlorous acid with?
To avoid irritation, it’s wise to steer clear of pairing this ingredient with other skincare acids, like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic-based products.
Can I use hypochlorous acid every day?
Absolutely. It’s considered incredibly gentle (even on sensitive skin), and concentrations designed for the body – like cleansing spray and mouthwash -- have been thoroughly tested for consumer safety, with no reported side effects.
QIQ'S HIGH PURITY HYPOCHLOROUS ACID PRODUCTS
Looking to make the leap into healthy skincare and integrate HOCL into your own daily wellness routine? Before plucking a single product off the shelf, you’ll want to make sure to choose a brand with the highest level of purity possible, and QIQ does the trick. With four precisely targeted HOCL products – skin cleanser, eyelid and eyelash cleanser, itch-relief spray, and mouthwash – designed to “kick” every painful, itchy, burn-y sensation on your body, this clean-care company puts quality and safety front and center. Featuring breakthrough HypoBiome Technology, a patent-pending, high-purity hypochlorous formula a decade in the making, QIQ products boast unparalleled purity, 2+ year stability and shelf life, and pharmaceutical-grade safety credentials. The kind of healthy, head-to-toe reassurance you want for your entire family. Biome-friendly and skin-compatible, QIQ products are the perfect pick for destroying bad bacteria, while leaving the good bacteria to do their job on the care and feeding of happy, sting-free! – skin.
