If reviews of the best hypochlorous acid spray hasn’t popped up on your SkinTok feed yet, trust us—it’s only a matter of time. This buzzy ingredient might sound like something out of a chemistry lab, but don’t let the name fool you. It’s actually one of the gentlest yet most effective ways to keep your skin calm, clear, and happy.
Originally used in medical settings for wound healing, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a dermatologist-approved ingredient that fights bacteria, soothes inflammation, and supports the skin barrier—all without skin irritation. “Hypochlorous acid is a very effective antiseptic that uses the same technology as bleach to kill microbes, but it’s not bleach and doesn’t bleach clothing,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. “And it’s not drying the way alcohol is. There’s good data that topical hypochlorous acid has antibacterial effects and can particularly help acne, though it’s great for all skin types.”
It’s also a skin savior for sensitive and reactive skin. “It’s a great product for patients with acne, rosacea, or eczema,” says Sarah Sung, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist of The Perq based in Seattle. “Hypochlorous acid is also an excellent ingredient for post-procedure skin that needs extra care.”
Whether you’re breaking out, dealing with redness, recovering from a skin treatment, or just looking for a mid-day refresh, a few spritzes of this multitasking mist can do wonders. HOCl plays well with almost everything in your routine, so you can spray it morning, night, and even post-workout for an instant skin reset.
The best hypochlorous acid sprays, at a glance:
Your hypochlorous acid sprays questions, answered
What is hypochlorous acid?
“Naturally produced by white blood cells as part of the immune response, hypochlorous acid works by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation, mimicking the body’s natural defense mechanism,” says Dr. Sung. This makes HOCl a pro at soothing redness, breakouts, eczema, and irritation without disrupting the skin barrier. “It disinfects without side effects, speeds up healing, and supports the skin barrier, especially for those with compromised skin,” the expert adds. Unlike harsh antibacterial agents, HOCl is effective yet incredibly mild, making it ideal for rosacea, acne, and post-procedural skin. “In most applications, I’d generally consider it to be a very mild acid, making it an excellent addition to a regimen for damaged or sensitive skin.” It’s even useful for cuts, sunburns, and scrapes, proving its versatility beyond skincare.
Does hypochlorous acid spray actually work?
Yes, hypochlorous acid spray actually works—and it’s backed by science. HOCl is an effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory that helps kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi while calming irritation and flare-ups. It’s widely used in dermatology for conditions like acne, perioral dermatitis, and post-procedure healing, thanks to its ability to disinfect without disrupting the skin barrier. “HOCl’s benefits are most pronounced when treating bacteria-related inflammation, such as acne, perioral dermatitis, and post-procedure irritation,” says Dr. Sung. “With consistent use, acne-prone and sensitive skin types see improvements within days to weeks. However, if inflammation fails to improve despite conservative HOCl sprays or other over-the-counter options, I recommend following up with your board-certified dermatologist for additional support.”
How often should I use hypochlorous acid spray?
You can use hypochlorous acid spray several times daily whenever your skin needs a refresh. Since it’s gentle, non-irritating, and doesn’t disrupt the skin barrier, it’s safe for daily and even frequent use. Dr. King recommends applying it after cleansing to affected areas: “This can be followed with a moisturizer if needed and reapplied throughout the day as indicated. Its safety profile is very good. It will be most effective when applied to clean skin and allowed to air dry before additional skincare products are applied.” For general skincare maintenance, just spritz it onto clean skin morning and night before layering your serums and moisturizers.
What not to use with hypochlorous acid?
Hypochlorous acid is gentle, versatile, and plays nicely with most skincare ingredients, but there are a few things you’ll want to avoid pairing it with to keep it working at its best. “The benefit of hypochlorous acid is that it complements most products in your skincare routine,” says Georgia Slayton, licensed aesthetician at JECT based in NYC. “The only thing you don’t want to pair it with is antioxidants such as vitamin C because it will just denature the serum and you won’t get the benefits of that antioxidant.” Since HOCl is an oxidizing agent and vitamin C is an antioxidant, using them together renders both ineffective. In addition to vitamin C, strong acids and exfoliants—like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid—can throw off HOCl’s pH balance, potentially reducing its effectiveness. Heavy occlusives and oils should also be applied after HOCl, not before, as they can create a barrier that blocks absorption.
- Georgia Slayton, licensed aesthetician at JECT based in NYC
- Stevie Christine, a makeup and brow artist based in LA
- Sarah Sung, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist of The Perq based in Seattle
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, MHS, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetics dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care based in NYC and Westchester, NY
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC
Best Hypochlorous Acid Spray Overall: Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Original video from Christa Lee testing Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
Is it even SkinTok if you don’t catch a flash of this iconic bright red bottle? Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray has become a viral favorite and a top pick for Dr. Sung. “So many products take a kitchen-sink approach, adding fragrances and unnecessary additives to what should be a simple formula,” says Dr. Sung. “But Tower 28 keeps it refreshingly minimal: just water, salt, and hypochlorous acid. That simplicity is key, especially for a product designed to support compromised skin.”
Glamour contributor Christa Lee tested the mist for a month and saw a real difference. “My skin is super sensitive, tends to get dry, and my year-round allergies leave my nose and cheeks chapped and raw. This spray helped even out my skin tone, calm irritation, and noticeably reduce the redness around my nose like nothing else has,” she shares. Sensitive skin types take note: “This spray has earned the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association, the National Rosacea Society, and the National Psoriasis Foundation,” says Dr. Sung. In other words, it’s not just a social media trend—it’s derm-approved.
Best Budget-Friendly Pick: Prequel Skin Universal Skin Solution Hypochlorous Acid Spray
Original video from Christa Lee testing Prequel Skin Universal Skin Solution Hypochlorous Acid Spray
Recognized by the National Rosacea Society, Prequel Skin Universal Skin Solution is a mist with many talents. The hero ingredient—of course—is hypochlorous acid that has natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and helps calm and purify stressed-out skin. But it also features muriatic acid (a form of hydrochloric acid) in ultra-low concentrations to balance pH levels, keeping the formula stable, effective, and super gentle. “With a blend of 0.02% hypochlorous acid, minerals, and electrolyzed water, this mist is made to soothe compromised skin,” says Slayton. “Hypochlorous acids all work best on clean skin, but I also love this one for refreshing my makeup throughout the day as it absorbs quickly.”
It’s noteworthy how hydrating it is: “The magnesium content helps soothe and protect my skin barrier while locking in moisture—my skin feels bouncy, refreshed, and happy,” says Lee. Whether you’re dealing with redness, irritation, or just need a midday skin reset, this mist has your back… and your face…and your body… Basically, wherever your skin needs a little extra love.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Briotech Pure Hypochlorous Acid Spray and Cleanser
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Original video from Christa Lee testing Briotech Pure Hypochlorous Acid Spray and Cleanser
There aren’t many products you can share with your pet, but that proves how incredibly versatile Briotech Pure Hypochlorous Acid Spray and Cleanser is. This gentle spray soothes stings and hot spots on your furry friends while also tackling bacteria and calming inflammation for your skin. “The formula—with 0.02% hypochlorous acid, electrolyzed water, and saline—is as simple as it gets without any surprises,” says Slayton. “And it’s on the more cost-effective end.”
Briotech doesn’t mess around when it comes to stability, purity, and effectiveness: “The pump is packaged separately from the bottle—not just to prevent spills during transit, but to keep the formula as pure as possible,” says Lee. “Even the pump is lab tested to ensure nothing unwanted transfers into your solution. My skin felt hydrated and refreshed, but the spray bottle is more powerful than other products I tested, sometimes leaving little droplets. To get a finer application, try holding the bottle 12-14 inches away and avoid over-spraying.”
Best Luxe: Hydrinity Hyacyn Active
Original video from Christa Lee testing Hydrinity Hyacyn Active
Hydrinity Hyacyn Active Purifying Mist delivers all the benefits of hypochlorous acid in a formula designed for gentle yet effective purification—without disrupting the skin barrier. With 0.012% hypochlorous acid, electrolyzed water, sodium chloride (to balance oil production and support healing), and sodium phosphate (to maintain a skin-friendly pH), it’s ideal for sensitive, acne-prone, and post-procedure skin. “While ‘medical grade’ is often a meaningless buzzword, I appreciate that products like this—distributed via professionals like dermatologists and estheticians—are backed by clinical studies that put some oomph behind their claims of efficacy and purity,” says Dr. Sung.
Stevie Christine, a makeup and brow artist based in LA, swears by it, too: “I love the one my dermatologist suggested to me. It has minimal ingredients, with hypochlorous acid as the first active ingredient—exactly what you want in this type of product. You can use it before and after makeup, and it works incredibly for breakouts, redness, and rosacea.” When testing this product, Lee was instantly hooked. “The misting mechanism is ultra-fine and refreshing, absorbing quickly without leaving behind any droplets. It feels really indulgent when you use it,” says Lee.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: SkinSmart Antimicrobial Eczema Therapy with Hypochlorous Acid
When you want what dermatologists are actually using on themselves, SkinSmart Antimicrobial Eczema Therapy with Hypochlorous Acid is the one to grab. No sink? No problem. This FDA-cleared spray can even act like a cleanser—no water needed—helping to combat bacteria that can trigger acne and skin conditions like eczema. “I’ve been using it for a few years without any issues,” says Dr. Kobets. “It is an accessible price point, and they’re consistent in their product formulation [with 0.018% hypochlorous acid].”
Dr. Sung also gives it her stamp of approval, adding, “SkinSmart balances HOCl’s antimicrobial power without stripping the skin, making it great for acne-prone users. This value option is great for young, acne-prone athletes on the go.” What makes it especially powerful for acne-prone skin is the addition of hypochlorite, which eliminates bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can contribute to breakouts. “It’s great for all skin types though, including sensitive skin,” says Dr. King. Plus, it’s earned a five-star rating from the National Eczema Association, making it an excellent choice for soothing and supporting irritated, sensitive skin.
Best for Dry Skin: Velež HOCL Hydrating Face Mist
Whether your skin is feeling dull and dehydrated, irritated and inflamed, or just plain over it, Velež HOCL Hydrating Face Mist speeds up recovery and rejuvenation. “This offers a fine mist that feels ultra-soothing—especially after an in-office derm procedure [like a chemical peel],” says Dr. Kobets. “The lightweight application makes it comfortable to spritz throughout the day, even over makeup.” Unlike other hypochlorous sprays, this one is completely sodium-free, which means it delivers all the skin-calming benefits without any chance of irritation or dryness.
Best High-Performance Formula: S’eau Prima Foundational Face Mist
While most hypochlorous sprays rely on sodium, S’eau Prima Foundational Face Mist—a Dr. King-approved favorite—switches things up with Bora Bora sea salt from French Polynesia. And no, it’s not just for the fancy vibes. This mineral-rich salt helps boost healthy cell activity, absorbs impurities and excess oil, and leaves skin feeling soft and balanced. To keep its powerhouse ingredients stable and potent, it’s bottled in an opaque glass bottle with a separate pump, so you get the most out of every spritz. “It’s a non-irritating formula that’s great for eczema, itching, acne, hand sanitizing, and more,” says Dr. King. It’s a skincare multitasker you’ll want with you all the time.
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