Best Hypochlorous Acid Sprays for Acne, Eczema & Irritated Skin
Courtesy of Mario BadescuThere is no shortage of skincare trends on TikTok. The latest one taking over my FYP is hypochlorous acid spray. Chances are, you’ve seen Tower 28’s SOS spray getting tons of hype online — but there are also plenty of budget-friendly alternatives worth checking out.
TikTok users have been touting the skincare tool as a cure-all for everything from acne to dermatitis. But what is it and does it actually work? More importantly: which is the best hypochlorous acid spray to buy?
We've got the answers to all of your questions plus product recommendations from our shopping experts.
What is hypochlorous acid spray?Hypochlorous acid (often shortened to HOCl) is a naturally-occurring molecule found in our immune systems, according to experts. It's been a staple in the medical settings for a long time, but it's HOCl's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that have made it such a skincare savior.
Essentially, it may sanitize your skin of pore-clogging bacteria and may soothe skin inflammation and irritation, in addition to potentially having wound-healing properties. It's because of this that social media users love to incorporate it into their in-flight or post-gym skincare routines.
Although having acid in the name might lead you to believe it's a harsh ingredient, it's actually quite gentle and safe to use on sensitive skin since it has a low pH.
For these reasons, it's viewed as a multi-purpose solution to a number of skincare concerns.
The main reason that hypochlorous acid popped off on TikTok in the first place was because of claims that it helps treat acne— and that's true, according to one study that compared its effectiveness to benzoyl peroxide.
However, hypochlorous acid may also help calm eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.
If you're ready to get in on the hypochlorous acid trend, scroll on to shop the best ones.
This Tower 28 spray is the one that made HOCl famous on TikTok. It even comes in a travel size which is perfect for tossing in your bag and spritzing on the go.
Rave review: "This spray has been a game-changer for calming my sensitive, easily irritated skin. It feels refreshing, absorbs quickly, and really helps reduce redness and flare-ups without any stinging or heaviness. I love that it’s fragrance-free and gentle enough to use multiple times a day—even over makeup."
For all the drugstore girlies out there, opt for this HOCl spray from Prequel, which is a one of the best affordable skincare brands in my opinion. It's formulated with barrier-strengthening magnesium and minerals.
Rave review: "This hypochlorous acid spray is a staple I genuinely didn’t know I needed. It’s helped keep my skin clear of breakouts, especially in the heat & muggy weather. I use this daily & have purchased this Prequel one multiple times!"
Rave review: "It’s a good amount of product for the price and it works SO GOOD! It clears my skin and it prevents irritation! I use it after waxing my eyebrows or when I get a sunburn or after shaving!"
Fans of the TikTok famous brand medicube will be happy to know that they've recently come out with their own hypochlorous acid spray. It's made with allantoin and panthenol for added hydration.
Rave review: "My essentials not to breakout after the gym. I spray morning, post workout and at night before bed. My breakouts drastically reduces! And pores look tighter and cleaner. Black heads reduced too."
Rave reviews: "It ‘dries out pimples’ without any drying. Just helps my skin stay clear and calm. My skin almost feels more moisturized too."
Spray this from head to toe to achieve clear skin. It comes in a bunch of different sizes, so you can pick the one that's right for you. It has over 11,000 5-star reviews.
Rave review: "I started doing a few sprays on my chest, shoulders, and back once a day after getting out of the shower. And it WORKED. After 1 month, my acne was considerably better; after 3, it was gone. Now I only get the odd pimple or so during my period."
This spray is tough on bacteria but gentle on your skin so there's no need to worry about it stinging or burning.
Rave review: "This product saved my skin. I was experiencing the worst breakout of my life this summer, largely due to excess bacteria and sweat. It was getting out of control, but I started using this throughout the day, and within 1 to 2 weeks, it all went away."
Those with sensitive skin will appreciate that this spray only has three ingredients: water, sodium, and hypochlorous acid.
Rave review: "I'm in my early twenties & have sensitive, acne prone skin. This product has been wholeheartedly life-changing. I've been using it morning & night for three months and have noticed such a difference in my skin. I'm a drugstore skincare girlie and would pay double for this product if I had to."
Those with sensitive skin will appreciate that this spray only has three ingredients: water, sodium, and hypochlorous acid.
Rave review: "This stuff has saved my face. I have so many skin issues and sensitivities that I can never find something that won't cause an immediate flare up. This stuff saved me when I was going through a heavy rosacea flare up. It calmed my skin while helping heal my barrier. This is my 6th bottle and I'll never stop repurchasing."
Click here to find out which $11 setting spray Summer House's Ciara Miller says is "the best."
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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