top of page

The Hypochlorous Acid Hype: How Does It Affect the Skin Microbiome?

  • Writer: Shalindri Jayawardene
    Shalindri Jayawardene
  • Sep 30
  • 2 min read
The Hypochlorous Acid Hype: How Does It Affect the Skin Microbiome?

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) has gained significant attention in the skincare world, celebrated for its powerful antibacterial properties and its role in preventing breakouts. While widely acknowledged for its acne-fighting benefits, its broader effects on the facial skin microbiome are less well understood.


What We Know:


  • HOCl is a naturally occurring compound produced by the immune system during the "oxidative burst:" a key immune response in which white blood cells generate highly reactive molecules to fight off pathogens. As an oxidant, HOCl kills bacteria by disrupting their proteins and lipids through peroxidation or halogenation. This broad-spectrum activity makes it effective against a wide range of pathogens (Stroman et al., 2017).


  • Research has shown that 0.01% HOCl is highly effective at killing harmful bacteria and fungi on the skin, including those associated with acne. It performs as well, or better, than traditional antiseptics, making it a powerful yet gentle skincare ingredient. Crucially, HOCl targets harmful microbes while leaving the skin’s beneficial bacteria largely unaffected. This makes it especially promising for use in sensitive areas like around the eyes, though more research is needed to fully explore its effects on delicate skin (Anagnostopoulos et al., 2018).


  • HOCl has demonstrated an ability to reduce bacterial load by over 99%, particularly staphylococcal species like Staphylococcus epidermidis, which, although generally harmless and part of the skin's natural microbiome, can contribute to conditions like blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction under certain circumstances (Anagnostopoulos et al., 2018).


Industry Impact and Potential:


  • As awareness of HOCl's benefits continues to grow, several skincare brands have introduced HOCl-based products. 


  • These products tap into the increasing demand for microbiome-friendly skincare, offering an alternative to harsher chemicals that can disrupt the skin's natural balance. With its ability to fight harmful bacteria without damaging the skin microbiome, HOCl is well-positioned to become a key ingredient in the future of skincare.


Our Solution:


At Sequential, we are at the forefront of microbiome research, backed by a vast database of over 20,000 microbiome samples, 4,000 ingredients and a global network of 10,000 testing participants. Our customisable solutions span microbiome studies and product formulation, with a strong emphasis on biome integrity. Whether we are researching the skin, scalp, oral, or vulvar microbiomes, we are your ideal partner for advancing research and developing microbiome-focused products. By studying the effects of ingredients like HOCl on the skin microbiome, we help ensure that skincare products are both effective and gentle, promoting long-term skin health.


References:



bottom of page