8 best hypochlorous acid sprays for banishing bacteria and soothing stressed-out skin
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Alongside the non-negotiable that is face sunscreen – and a smattering of lip balm – a hypochlorous acid spray is one of a few skincare products we'll carry out of the house this summer. An ingredient once reserved solely for use on cuts and wounds, hypochlorous acid has been burgeoning in popularity over the past two years.
It started when Tower 28’s hypochlorous acid spray went viral on TikTok, amassing millions of rave reviews thanks to its ability to reduce redness and breakouts. Now, more than 20,000 search for hypochlorous acid spray on Google each month – a trend which is up 588% in comparison to last year.
Not to be confused with similar-sounding hyaluronic acid, hypochlorous acid helps to cleanse, soothe, and protect the skin. “A powerful yet gentle antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, hypochlorous acid is effective in reducing redness, soothing irritation, and minimising breakouts," explains Jennifer Buron, Head of Spa, Clinic and Development at Hyclo Skin.
Super versatile, these miracle face mists make a lovely additional cleansing step in any day-to-day skincare routine — while also instantly soothing inflammation caused by a sweaty work-out or eczema flare-up. Like the sound of a calm and clear complexion? Read on for more information on our favourite hypochlorous acid spray bottles.
SKIP TO: What is hypochlorous acid? | What does a hypochlorous acid spray do for the skin? | Can you use a hypochlorous spray every day? | Are there any potential side effects worth knowing about? | What specific skincare ingredients shouldn't be used alongside hypochlorous acid?
Meet the experts:
- Megan Picurro, Director of Marketing at Mario Badescu Skin Care.
- David Connor, Skincare Expert and Co-Founder of Kanzen Skincare.
- Jennifer Buron, Head of Spa, Clinic and Development at Hyclo Skin.
Ahead, the best hypochlorous acid spray mists worth knowing about in 2025.
Mario Badescu Repairing Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid
- Bottle size: 118ml.
- Suitable skin types: All.
- Other ingredients: Water and sodium chloride.
- How to apply: Mist evenly onto the face and/or affected areas as needed, and let air dry completely.
Why we love it: There's a lot to love about this no-rinse Mario Badescu cleansing spray. Designed to remove unwanted residue and harmful bacteria from even the most sensitive skin, it minimises breakouts, smooths out pimples and patches of uneven skin texture, and will instantly soothe inflammation and redness. And it's also National Eczema Association approved — meaning it can be trusted to help tackle flare-ups, and soothe any uncomfortable itching.
A truly versatile product that you can use all over your body, it'll speed up the healing of sunburn and piercings, minimise razor bumps and post-wax redness, and disinfect your hands after a trip on the tube during rush hour. Put simply, you'll never run out of uses for this fantastic mist.
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
- Bottle size: 120ml.
- Suitable skin types: All.
- Other ingredients: Water and sodium chloride.
- How to apply: Spritz twice daily on freshly cleansed skin and let dry before applying moisturiser.
Why we love it: The aforementioned Tower 28 spray has been trending on TikTok pretty much constantly for a couple of years — and it's totally justified. Essentially a toner treatment mist, it's clinically proven to reduce the appearance of redness and irritation in just one hour — so it's great for nipping break-outs or flare-ups in the bud. Plus, it's also got the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance™ — and has also been officially endorsed to help with other painful skin conditions like rosacea and psoriasis.
Vital Baby Aquaint Cleansing Water
- Bottle size: 50ml.
- Suitable skin types: All.
- Other ingredients: Water.
- How to apply: Spray directly around the face or on the skin.
Why we love it: This antibacterial cleansing water is officially marketed for use on babies and newborns — but it's now a viral sensation on TikTok, after it was discovered that it's essentially just a standard hypochlorous acid spray. Better still, it's super affordable, and the perfect size for storing in your bag as an on-the-go disinfectant.
- Bottle size: 113ml.
- Suitable skin types: All.
- Other ingredients: Electrolysed water and sodium chloride.
- How to apply: Spray on the affected area and leave to air dry.
Why we love it: This best-selling topical disinfectant will certainly soothe redness and irritation on the face, but has been primarily designed with more general use in mind. Spray it to soothe sunburn on the body or scalp, disinfect a new piercing, neutralise body odour, and much more. A must-have for your medicine cabinet.
- Bottle size: 100ml.
- Suitable skin types: All.
- Other ingredients: Water and phosphoric acid.
- How to apply: Spray on the skin until it's fully saturated, and use as many times as you like throughout the day. Suitable for use before, during, and post-exercise.
Why we love it: Made with people prone to acne, blemishes, and other skin irritations in mind, this high-purity formulation prevents breakouts and protects the skin barrier from pollutants and impurities. Deeply cleansing, it rids the skin of spots, acne, and redness — all without harming the precious dermal layer.
BASE LABORATORIES Hypochlorous Acid Spray
- Bottle size: 59ml.
- Suitable skin types: All.
- Other ingredients: Sodium chloride, goji berry, and chamomile.
- How to apply: Spray directly on the skin until it's moist, leave it to air dry, and repeat 2-3 times a day as needed.
Why we love it: A slightly less stripped-back formula, this best-selling spray has been enriched with a couple of additional skin-loving ingredients; collagen-boosting goji berry, and soothing chamomile. So — as well as reduced redness and inflammation — you can expect a truly revitalised and radiant complexion. Bigger bottles are also available, but this sweet travel-size version feels spot-on for bringing with you to the gym, or having in your hand-luggage for a post-flight refresh.
Hyclo Active Anti-Blemish Spray
- Bottle size: 100ml.
- Suitable skin types: All.
- Other ingredients: Water.
- How to apply: Use as and when required — over or under make-up. Spray directly around the face and leave to settle and dry.
Why we love it: This Hyclo Skin spray boasts the purest form of hypochlorous acid on the market, and has been clinically proven to kill the harmful bacteria found in sweat and pollutants. Supremely healing, it keeps your complexion clear and calm, and can even help fade scars and older blemishes. Best of all, it's been specifically designed with easy reapplication on-the-go in mind — so it'll still work just as well when spritzed over foundation and concealer.
Kanzen Antibacterial Cleansing Water
- Bottle size: 125ml.
- Suitable skin types: All.
- Other ingredients: De-Ionised water and sodium chloride.
- How to apply: Spritz directly onto the face, leave it to air dry, and follow with your usual moisturising routine.
Why we love it: Promoting a faster skin cell turnover rate with its deep yet delicate ability to remove impurities, this facial spray is formulated to cleanse 99.9% of all known bacteria from the skin. The result? A balanced and revived complexion — with your face free of redness, blemishes, and any uneven texture. Unsurprisingly, it's quickly become a cult-favourite product on TikTok.
Your hypochlorous acid FAQs, answered:
What is hypochlorous acid?
"Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is naturally produced by your white blood cells to combat infection and bacteria," explains Jennifer Buron, Head of Spa, Clinic and Development at Hyclo Skin.
“A key part of the body's immune response, it helps to defend against environmental stressors, and support skin recovery,” adds Megan Picurro, Director of Marketing at Mario Badescu Skin Care. So, it's not all that surprising that it's quickly become such a must-have skincare ingredient.
What does a hypochlorous acid spray do for the skin?
Put simply, hypochlorous acid helps to purify and soothe the skin — making it a popular choice for a post-workout spritz. “It helps cleanse the skin’s surface of potential breakout-causing bacteria, reduce the appearance of redness, and keep the skin feeling balanced,” Picurro adds.
Great for tackling any kind of redness or irritation on the face, hypochlorous acid can also be used to soothe sunburn, itchy bug bites, and post-shaving bumps anywhere else on the body. “Essentially, it supports wound healing, and helps strengthen the skin barrier for a healthier and more resilient complexion,” says Buron.
“Crucially, hypochlorous acid is a game-changer for sensitive and problematic skin,” adds David Connor, Co-Founder of Kanzen Skincare. “Because of its naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it's ideal for acne-prone skin, rosacea, eczema, and general irritation.”
Can you use a hypochlorous spray every day?
Yes! In fact — because it's non-toxic and alcohol-free — you're likely fine to use it multiple times a day. "It doesn't disrupt the skin’s natural microbiome, so can be used as a refreshing mist, a post-cleansing toner, or to calm inflammation and irritation,” Buron explains.
Top tip? Store your chosen mist in the skincare fridge to keep it lovely and cool, and enjoy a refreshing spritz when needed.
Are there any potential side effects worth knowing about?
Generally, no. According to Picurro, some people might feel a “slight tingle” when it's first applied — but that's normal, and the sensation generally fades pretty quickly.
“When applied to certain skin concerns, HOCl can sometimes make things look worse at first before they start to get better,” Buron adds. “If this happens, make sure you're pairing your spray with a light moisturiser to help maintain balance and hydration.”
What specific skincare ingredients shouldn't be used alongside hypochlorous acid?
“You should avoid using hypochlorous acid with strong exfoliants like lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, as this could increase the risk of irritation,” David Connor explains. Similarly, active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C can effect the pH balance of the skin — creating a more alkaline environment — which can reduce the effectiveness of hypochlorous acid. So stick to using them at different times of the day if possible.
Ideally, apply your hypochlorous acid straight after your cleanser, and let it dry for a minute or so before carrying on with your skincare routine. “Hypochlorous acid works best when applied first before heavier serums or occlusives to allow its soothing and antimicrobial benefits to take full effect,” Connor adds.
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