The internet is going crazy for hypochlorous acid spray — here's how it can benefit your skin
Whether it's a new sheet mask or using an unexpected item as a spot treatment, it can often feel like there's a new must-have skin care product being raved about on social media every other day. And most of the time, experts will tell you the hype isn't all it's cracked up to be. But recently, beauty-obsessed TikTokers have been touting their love for hypochlorous acid spray as a complexion saviour — and many dermatologists are agreeing that it really can be an effective tool in your skin care arsenal.
To learn more about hypochlorous acid sprays — including what they are, what they do and which ones are worth your money — we turned to experts who have experience with them. Check out what they had to say below.
What is hypochlorous acid spray?
Long before it was used as a skin care product, hypochlorous acid spray was used in clinical settings thanks to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-safe properties, says Dr. Anetta Reszko, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. 'It also happens to be a naturally occurring molecule produced by the body's white blood cells as part of the immune response and plays a key role in defending against infection by targeting harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.'
More recently, hypochlorous acid spray has become a popular skin care product because its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties can help combat several skin issues, like acne, eczema, sunburns and more. 'It soothes reactive or inflamed skin, relieves itching, and supports healing, all while being gentle enough for daily use, says Reszko. 'And because it mimics a substance your body already produces, it's well-tolerated, non-drying, and won't lead to antibiotic resistance like some prescription treatments can.'
How I picked the best hypochlorous acid sprays
When shopping for a hypochlorous acid spray to use on your face, experts recommend prioritizing the following criteria:
Concentration: 'The potency of hypochlorous acid varies depending on its concentration,' says Reszko, who explains that higher concentrations will be more potent. It's important to note that it's not necessarily a good thing when using it on your face. Those with sensitive skin may want to look for lower concentrations. Regarding exact concentrations to look for, Dr. Jason Emer is a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills and founder of Emer Skin, says you should opt for between 100 to 200 parts per million (PPM) to deliver antimicrobial benefits without irritating the skin.
pH balance: Along with concentration, you'll want to pay attention to the pH balance of the hypochlorous acid spray you use. 'A gentle pH level that ranges from 4 to 6 for daily use and helps maintain the skin's natural barrier,' says Emer.
Packaging: 'Hypochlorous acid is sensitive to light and air, which can degrade its effectiveness, so choosing a spray that comes in opaque or dark-colored bottles can maximize its potency,' says Reszko.
The best hypochlorous acid sprays of 2025
To come up with the list of best hypochlorous acid sprays, we looked for options that meet the criteria given by our experts and that have at least a 4-star average rating from hundreds of reviews.
Tower 28, which makes one of our favorite lip balms, has one of the most popular hypochlorous acid sprays on the market. The acid calms irritated skin, while the 4.5 pH balance helps to keep your skin barrier strong. This spray can be used morning and night and should be used in place of toner before moisturizing.
Briotech Topical Skin Spray
This spray can be used on the body, face or even eyelids and can help soothe eczema flare-ups or generally irritated skin. The formula is free of fragrances and preservatives, making it a good option for sensitive skin users. It has a 4.5-star average rating from 10,515 reviews on Amazon and comes in various sizes.
E11ement Hypochlorous Acid Spray
This hypochlorous acid spray has a 150 ppm and can either be spritzed on skin or applied to a cotton ball and then applied. Reviewers say it's helped them with irritation, dry eyes, tattoo healing and more.
'The spray is considered very gentle, pure with its .01% concentration, and widely recommended across dermatologic and ophthalmologic use cases (i.e., eyelid dermatitis and perioral dermatitis),' says Reszko. 'The product is safe near the eyes (ophthalmology-grade) and appropriate for sensitive skin.' One thing to note: At .68 ounces, it's the smallest bottle on our list.
This spray, which has a 4.7-star average rating from over 960 reviews on Amazon, has a .015% concentration and a 5.5 pH balance, so it shouldn't irritate sensitive skin. Also helpful: The formula is hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic to prevent breakouts from sprouting up.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle.
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