Best hypochlorous acid sprays to gently soothe and repair skin

Unless you’ve been living under a rock and have zero access to social media, you’ve likely come across the trending skincare hero known as hypochlorous acid.

Despite its rather intimidating name, it’s been popped into school bags by mothers for their kids, taken on flights by avid travellers who refuse to let aeroplane air affect their skin any longer, and even parents of young children who are still in nappies – the antibacterial dream is suitable for all skin types and all ages.

We spoke to an expert in the field, Vicki Whetton from Within Skincare, to understand just what hypochlorous acid is, and how it works.

What is hypochlorous acid and why is it being used in skincare?

“Hypochlorous acid is a naturally occurring molecule produced by the human immune system. It plays a crucial role in fighting infection and promoting healing. It can be made by the electrolysis of salt and water to produce a very weak but effective acid,” explains Whetton. “When applied topically, hypochlorous acid offers a safe, non-toxic, and effective solution for cleansing, soothing and repairing skin.”

What are the benefits of hypochlorous acid?

The benefits outlined by the skincare expert above are “particularly effective for those who wish to use it as a double cleanse, those out and about on the go, as well as after the gym or if you have problem skin such as acne or eczema.”

Whetton goes on to give us a trifecta of key benefits to consider:

Can hypochlorous acid be damaging to the skin?

“No! Thanks to its biocompatibility, hypochlorous acid is safe for all skin types. It’s non-toxic, non-sensitising, and free from common allergens. Its neutral pH ensures it won’t disrupt the skin’s delicate balance, making it an excellent choice for children, adults and those with sensitive skin,” says Whetton, adding that “but with any skincare product, we would recommend a patch test first.”

How often should you use hypochlorous acid and what's the best way to apply it?

“We recommend using it morning and evening as part of your usual skincare regime; after cleansing and before serums and moisturisers,” Whetton advises.

Kimberley Mess, Clinic Lead at Face the Future adds, “With its disinfecting properties, hypochlorous aacid is the perfect treatment to apply to open wounds, including acne. Simply spritz the affected area to remove dirt and bacteria, reducing the risk of any infection and promoting a faster healing process.”

Are there any ingredients you should avoid when using hypochlorous acid?

“There are no products that react with hypochlorous acid but we would recommend that after spraying you wait until your face is dry before using other products to ensure that you are getting the full effect from the hypochlorous acid and your other skincare products. We also always recommend using an SPF whether you are using hypochlorous acid or not!” says the Within Skincare expert.

Without further ado, keep scrolling for the best hypochlorous acid sprays to cleanse and revive your skin wherever you roam.

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Vital Baby Aquaint Cleansing Water

Available in this handy 50ml travel size or a 500ml large spray bottle, Vital Baby’s cleansing water is by far the best value-for-money hypochlorous acid cleansing solution on the market. Technically formulated for newborns, it makes sense that this cleansing spray would be perfect for those with sensitive skin looking for an easy double-cleanse option.

The natural sanitising water kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria thanks to its key ingredient (cue broken record accusations): hypochlorous acid. New mums can use it on everything from soothers, toys and breast pumps or as an on-the-go nappy change essential.

Buy now £2.25, Amazon

Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier Spray Bottle 100ml

Formulated with high-purity hypochlorous solution, this incredibly kind-to-skin spray by Clinisoothe is known to offer instant redness-reducing effects by soothing breakouts and irritation.

The kind-to-skin formula is alcohol-free, non-cytotoxic to growing skin cells and promotes a healthy skin barrier. Spritz onto already cleansed skin in the mornings and evenings for the best results, and don’t worry about rinsing it off.

Buy now £14.95

Tower28 SOS Rescue Spray

Tower28’s viral SOS Rescue Spray is certainly having its moment on TikTok. The rejuvenating and purifying toner provides instantaneous skin relief and is beneficial to those with highly sensitive, acne-prone skin. The alcohol-free formulation is, of course, powered by hypochlorous acid, and is safe to use anywhere on your skin.

Use in place of a toner in the AM and PM, as well as for refreshing your skin over makeup and as needed throughout the day to refresh and purify. Plus, it comes approved by the National Eczema Association.

Buy now £22.08, Tower28

Within Skincare Miracle Mist Hypochlorous Acid Spray

Formulated to promote an instantly refreshed complexion no matter your skin type, Within Skincare has harnessed the power of hypochlorous acid to help calm the skin while enriching it with additional nourishment and moisture.

Simply spray liberally anywhere that needs some love after cleansing, and wait for it to dry before applying other products.

Buy now £16.99, Within Skincare

Base Laboratories Hypochlorous Acid Spray

Suitable for open wounds and painful cystic acne, Base Laboratories’ hypochlorous acid spray is enriched with goji berry and chamomile for an unbeatably soothing effect. With a light, natural fragrance thanks to the additional calming ingredients, this alcohol-free formulation is a delight to use. It can also be utilised for piercing and tattoo care.

Buy now £11.99, Amazon

Isoskin Hypochlorous Acid Spray

Gentle, effective and formulated to help enhance your skin’s natural glow, this hypochlorous acid spray by Isoskin helps defeat the bacteria and fungi which is said to cause acne in approximately 85 per cent of cases. Not only does this soothing spray help reduce your skin’s bacterial load, but it soothes inflammation and promotes healing.

Buy now £10.00, Amazon

Eternal Skincare Facial Mist

Like the vast majority of hypochlorous acid sprays, this option by Eternal Skincare is pH-neutral and powered by an entirely non-toxic formula. It’s also free from alcohol and fragrances, making it a guilt-free addition to any skincare arsenal.

Buy now £13.00, Amazon