There 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.