This Affordable Product Made My Skin So Happy — And You Might Not Know About It Yet (2024)

But one ingredient that’s gone viral onTikTokis worth paying attention to: hypochlorous acid. It’s a soothing, potent antimicrobial — a “natural disinfectant” that’s found in our body’s white blood cells, according toDr. Samer Jaber, a board-certified dermatologist atWashington Square Dermatologyin New York City.

Similarly,Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology atCornell, told us that hypochlorous acid also calms inflammation and repairs the skin’s barrier.

Hypochlorous acid stands apart because of its wide breadth of applications while being gentle and non-irritating enough for routine use. It can help treateczemaand dermatitis, reduce redness, calm breakouts and strengthen the skin barrier, particularly duringcold, dry weather, according to both dermatologists. But hypochlorous acid “is so well tolerated that it is even used to treat blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelids,” Jaber said.

As an avid user of hypochlorous acid myself — I consider it more essential to myskincareroutine than my moisturizer — you can’t go wrong incorporating this gentle yet hardworking ingredient into your personal carelineup. I applyMagic Molecule’s solutiontwice daily to calm my sensitive, cystic acne-prone skin and to cleanse my easily irritated eyelids. I also deal withperioral dermatitis, a facial rash that’s similar to rosacea, and hypochlorous acid is the only ingredient I’ve found that has made a noticeable difference for me besides oral medication. It’s so helpful for me that I make sure I never run out.

Garshick recommended applying hypochlorous acid products “after cleansing, prior to any serums or moisturizers” or “mid-day over makeup or post-workout.”Sprays make it extra easy to apply. And remember, as Jaber noted: “Start gradually and slowly when incorporating any ingredient into your skincare routine, including hypochlorous acid.”

"This helps to soothe the skin whether it’s from a sunburn, skin irritation, cuts or scrapes," dermatologist Marisa Garshick explained. "It can be used as needed and helps to reduce bacteria, redness and calm the skin."

This hypochlorous acid version is my personal favorite thanks to itsstability and FDA-cleared formula. (Hypochlorous acid is a notoriously difficult ingredient to stabilize, but this version has a two-year shelf life, per the brand, which is purportedly twice as long as usual.) I keep a bottle on my vanity at all times and make sure to never run out!

Get it from Magic Molecule for$32+(available in three size options).

"Tower 28 is probably the most well-known and well-marketed [hypochlorous acid spray]," wrote dermatologistDr. Samer Jaber.

"It helps to strengthen and soothe the skin while helping to reduce redness and inflammation as well as skin sensitivity," said Garshick. "Because it also has antibacterial properties, it can be helpful for those dealing with breakouts and the spray formulation makes it a great option for post-workout. It can be used all year round."

This spray is also beloved by our editors, including shopping writersTessa Flores and Lourdes Avila Uribe.

"I've been using the Tower28 spray for almost 6 months and have come to be absolutely dependent on it. I have combination, acne-prone skin that can be temperamental with seasonal changes and gets easily irritated, so I was hesitant to try a new ingredient. Luckily, my skin took to it immediately," said Uribe. "Not only does it help with hydration and give me a nice glow, but it has made a noticeable difference with my breakouts. I use it after workouts and after I wash my face in the evenings and feel fresh and clean."

Flores also uses Tower 28's hypochlorous acid spray daily. "I use this every morning and night between my skincare products to help trap in moisture and optimize absorption, as well as use [it] regularly on my hands whenever I feel [an eczema] flare-up coming along," she said.

Get it from Amazon for$12+ (available in two sizes).

Tower 28's hypochlorous acid serum is designed for chronically sensitive skin, according to the brand, and acts as a more intensive soothing treatment than its hyper-popular spray.

I've come to depend on this serum for fast-acting relief for breakouts and itchy dermatitis flare-ups all over my body, not just on my face. It's been especially helpful for soothing the cracked, dry skin on my lips and feet.

Like reviewers note, the serum's packaging could use some work — I assume because it's a water-based serum, the product tends to shoot out horizontally instead of dispensing downwards like a thicker serum would.

While at first, this annoyed me, I've found the packaging easy enough to work with as long as you anticipate the quirky dispenser. Instead of holding my hand perpendicular underneath the pump to catch the product, I hold my hand sideways (parallel). This method enables me to use the serum without losing out on precious product.

I wouldn't be willing to work around packaging for most any other skin care product, but this one has been so obviously beneficial for my reactive skin that, to my surprise, I am.

Get it from Amazon for$34.

The Active Skin Repair hydrogel offers an additional non-spray option for folks who would rather have their hypochlorous acid in a non-spray format. Its watery formula is similar to the previous Tower 28 serum's consistency, though the Active Skin Repair version's squeeze-to-dispense method seems to perform better with the thinness of the product, according to reviewers, who aren't calling out issues with the packaging.

Gentle and antimicrobial, this serum is accepted by the National Eczema Association and is also FSA- and HSA-eligible.

Active Skin Repair also offers a hypochlorous acid spray that's more stable and thus more efficacious than peer versions, per the brand.

Get it from Amazon for$34.97.

"The Briotech and SkinSmart [options] are similar [to the Tower 28 version] with a lower price point," Jaber noted.

Briotech's spray is formulated with deionized water, pure salt and hypochlorous acid to gently yet effectively soothe irritated, red skin. It's also popular for healing piercings.

Promising review:"Hypochlorous acid is a great and safe sanitizer, antiseptic, and antibacterial. It's been around for a long time (your body has it naturally too!) and it has come back into vogue. I spray this on my face so the bacteria doesn't build up and cause zits and blocked pores. Sprayer works well too. Just a good addition for any household." —nlroundabout

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in multiple sizes and pack styles).

SkinSmart's version is also similar to Tower 28's hypochlorous acid spray at a lower price, according to Jaber.

Made with 0.18% hypochlorous acid, ionized water, and salt,SkinSmart's sprayis designed to target bacteria without disrupting your body's healing process, whether you're healing from acne, rashes, cuts, or other wounds.

Promising reviews:"Two applications - one to cleanse, and second soon as the first dries to protect and heal without any fungus among us, or bacterial infections. LOVE THIS STUFF...will never be without it again, unless they stop making it as is." —Kitty

"I used these for my father's red and dry bum. He was enflamed and in pain and this stuff knocked it right out. If you have a patient with terrible diarrhea and diaper rashes are an issue, try this product. Much better than diaper rash cream." —Andrew Baker

Get it from Amazon for $17.46.

Garshick recommended Loma Lux's Eczemol spray for soothing irritated skin and helping heal inflammation.

"Working to alleviate dry and itchy skin, this spray is FDA-cleared for atopic dermatitis, first- and second-degree burns and radiation dermatitis," Garshick wrote. "It has been shown to improve healing and also helps to reduce bacteria, inflammation and helps to calm itching. It can be used two times daily or as needed and is safe for all ages."

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two sizes).

Garshick is also a fan of Prequel's hypochlorous acid spray.

"Accepted by the National Rosacea Society, this spray contains hypochlorous acid, electrolyzed water and a soothing mineral concentrate to help calm irritated skin," said Garshick. "In addition to calming the skin, it can help to support the skin barrier and improve hydration. It is fragrance-free and safe for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin."

Promising review:"I love this product. It truly is the all in one product you need to keep your skin clear but moisturized. I keep one in my gym bag, my car, my vanity and nightstand." —Jess

Get it from Amazon for $16.99.