Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) or (HClO) is a powerful antimicrobial agent formed through electrolysis of salt water & produced by the human immune system to fight off pathogens. (Eryılmaz & Palabiyik, 2013)
In this article we’ve got all you need to know about this amazing chemical catching headlines in 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) is a powerful antimicrobial agent produced naturally by the human immune system and can be created through electrolysis.
- HOCl works by attacking bacteria, viruses, and fungi, disrupting their structures and rendering them harmless.
- Discovered in 1834, HOCl was extensively used during World Wars I & II as an antiseptic.
- Benefits of HOCl include antimicrobial properties, wound healing, skincare, oral health, ophthalmology, respiratory health, veterinary uses, agriculture, food safety, and environmental applications.
- HOCl has minimal side effects, with extremely rare cases of irritation reported.
- HOCl is versatile, biodegradable, and safe for various industries and applications.
So What Is Hypochlorous Acid Exactly? The Science Behind It.
Hypochlorous Acid is nature’s very own disinfectant reverse engineered by humans to be used as a powerful disinfectant and cleaner through a process we all must have read up on in chemistry class, “Electrolysis”.
In Humans HOCL is produced by the immune system during a reaction between hydrogen peroxide and chlorine ions aided by the catalyst myeloperoxidase (MPO).
For those well-versed in biology, this reaction occurs within the white blood cells, specifically inside:
- Neutrophils
- Eosinophils
- Mononuclear Phagocytes
- B lymphocytes
This reaction is triggered as part of the immune response during a process known as the respiratory burst, which combats harmful pathogens attacking the body.
How Does Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) Work?
Hypochlorous Acid exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it an effective treatment for various conditions (Selkon et al., 2006).
Here’s how it works:
Against Bacteria: HOCl attacks bacteria by binding to the fats in their cells and disrupting their structure. It’s like throwing a wrench into a machine, causing the bacteria to fall apart. This works best when the environment is slightly acidic, with a pH between 4 and 6.
Against Viruses: HOCl fights viruses through a process called chlorination. It reacts with the outer layers of the virus, changing the proteins and genetic material so the virus can’t function or reproduce. It’s like taking away the virus’s instructions and tools, making it harmless.
Against Fungi: HOCl also takes down fungi by breaking their cell walls and membranes. It disrupts important enzymes and processes, causing the fungi to die. Think of it as cutting off the power supply to a building, causing everything inside to stop working.
But it smells just like bleach & chlorinated pool water! Isn't it dangerous?
If you’ve ever used Hypochlorous acid before, you might have noticed its faint bleach-like scent or a smell similar to chlorinated pool water. Does that mean it’s basically bleach and dangerous, or even a scam?
Absolutely not. While HOCl originates from the same chlorine species family, it is fundamentally different from bleach on a chemical level. Bleach, known as Sodium Hypochlorite (OCl-), has a different chemical structure and properties compared to HOCl.
A common misconception is that bleach is more effective than Hypochlorous acid. However, most people don’t realize that bleach owes its germ-killing power to the concentration of HOCl molecules present in the bleach solution. Yes, you read that right. The actual germ killer in bleach is HOCl. The only difference is that bleach is highly alkaline, and at a pH greater than 8, HOCl is not the predominant species. Instead, we get OCl-, which is less effective.
Pure, formulated Hypochlorous acid is a stable solution of HOCl at a near-neutral pH level, containing almost 99% HOCl and a negligible amount of OCl- ions. This makes it not only 80 times more effective than bleach but also safer, without the harmful side effects.
For a detailed comparison, read our in-depth article on Hypochlorous Acid vs. Bleach.
History of Hypochlorous Acid - A 190 Year Old Discovery!
Hypochlorous acid was discovered by a French chemist named Antoine Jérôme Balard in 1834 while he was studying ways to alter dyes. Antoine named the mystery chemical Acide Hypocloreux or “Hypochlorous Acid”.
Because of Antoine’s findings Hypochlorous Acid was extensively studied and widely used during World Wars I & II as an antiseptic to disinfect wounds & speed up wound healing for emergency wound treatment on battlefields. (D. Boecker et al., 2023)
So… “Why hasn’t hypochlorous hit the mainstream yet?” It’s a good question, and the answer might vary depending on where you are. Interestingly, places like Japan and South Korea have known about it for quite some time, often referring to it as HOCl or even “Electrolyzed water,” which is basically the same thing. In these countries, it’s been widely used for its antimicrobial properties in various applications, including healthcare and food sanitation.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) however hasn’t hit worldwide popularity yet because, until recently, it was tricky to produce and keep stable. It had a short shelf life and could be unstable.
But here’s the good news: Its catching up, thanks to advances in technology—like single-cell electrolysis—HOCl can now be made on a large scale. It can last up to a year on the shelf and stays effective with a near-neutral pH, which is when it’s most powerful at killing germs.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, HOCl got more attention for its use in sanitizing and disinfecting. It’s also become a hit with skincare fans, especially on platforms like TikTok, where its benefits are being shared widely.
So, if you’re thinking about using HOCl for skin, now’s the perfect time to dive in! It’s gaining popularity fast, and its benefits are clearer than ever.
Benefits, Uses & Side Effects of Hypochlorous Acid.
Benefits Of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)
Hypochlorous acid has an array of benefits that you’d be surprised to read about and we’ve gathered them all for you.
Here is an exhaustive list of the benefits of Hypochlorous acid (HOCl):
Antimicrobial Properties (Akl Maher M, 2023):
- Kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Covid-19.
- Used in healthcare to disinfect surfaces, medical tools, and wounds.
- Less likely to cause antibiotic resistance.
Wound Healing & Skin (D. Joachim, 2020; J. Selkon et al., 2006; Roshan et al., 2024):
- Cleans wounds effectively, promoting faster healing.
- Gentle on healthy cells compared to other antiseptics.
- Reduces swelling and pain in chronic wounds like venous leg ulcers.
- Biodegradable and hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin.
Dermatological Uses (J. D. Del Rosso & N. Bhatia, 2018):
- Treats skin conditions like eczema and acne.
- Safe for sensitive skin and around eyes.
Oral Health (Lafaurie et al., 2018; Kim & Nam, 2018; Aherne et al., 2022; Plata et al., 2023):
- Reduces oral pathogens and treats conditions like gingivitis.
- Effective against oral plaque without harming teeth.
Ophthalmology (Stroman et al., 2017; Bertone et al., 2022):
- Reduces bacteria on skin around the eyes.
- Effective for eye conditions like blepharitis.
- May alleviate allergic reactions related to ocular allergens.
Respiratory Health (Kim et al., 2008; Jiang & Liang, 2021):
- May help in nasal and respiratory treatments.
- Effective after sinus surgery.
- Potentially reduces allergens in indoor environments.
Veterinary Uses (Mueller et al., 2022; Gard et al., 2016; Brezvyn et al., 2023):
- Treats ear and eye infections in animals effectively.
- Low toxicity and safe for various veterinary applications.
Agriculture and Food Safety (M. Rahman, 2020):
- Disinfects food surfaces and extends produce shelf life.
- Used as a pesticide in agriculture.
Environmental and Water Treatment (B. Behzadi et al., 2021; Christina K. Remucal & D. Manley, 2016):
- Disinfects drinking water and wastewater safely.
- Effective in cooling tower systems and improves chlorine disinfection.
Safety and Compatibility:
- Non-toxic and compatible with the body’s natural processes.
Other Benefits:
- Biodegradable and minimal environmental impact.
- Neutralizes odors by eliminating odor-causing bacteria.
- Non-corrosive to metals, safe for sensitive equipment.
- Versatile use across various industries due to broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties.
Exhaustive List of Hypochlorous Uses In Every Sector
- Disinfection of hospital surfaces and medical equipment.
- Wound cleansing and management, including chronic wound care.
- Skin disinfection and treatment of dermatological conditions.
- Eye care and treatment of ocular infections.
- Oral hygiene products like mouthwashes and toothpaste.
- Disinfection of dental equipment and instruments.
- Treatment of oral infections and gingivitis.
- Ear and eye care for pets, including treatment of infections.
- Disinfection of veterinary clinics and animal care facilities.
- Wound management for animals.
- Disinfection of farm equipment and tools.
- Treatment of crops to reduce microbial contamination.
- Pesticide for pest control in agriculture.
- Disinfection of food contact surfaces and processing equipment.
- Extending the shelf life of fresh produce by reducing microbial contamination.
- Sanitizing water used in food processing.
- Disinfection of drinking water and wastewater treatment.
- Cooling tower water treatment to control microbial growth.
- Environmental disinfection in public spaces, schools, and homes.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in manufacturing facilities.
- Sterilization of equipment used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- HVAC system cleaning and maintenance.
- Inclusion in skincare products for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Eye care products for cleaning and disinfecting eyelids.
- Treatment of acne and other skin conditions.
- Hand sanitizers and hygiene products.
- Disinfection in public transportation vehicles and facilities.
- Sanitizing surfaces in gyms, hotels, and public restrooms.
- Sterilization of laboratory equipment and workspaces.
- Disinfection in research facilities and cleanrooms.
- Treatment of eye infections and disorders.
- Disinfection of contact lenses and solutions.
- Disinfection of aquaculture facilities and equipment.
- Treatment of fish diseases and water quality management.
- Disinfection in emergency medical services (EMS) vehicles and equipment.
- First aid and wound care in emergency situations.
- Disinfection of sports equipment and facilities.
- Skin care products for athletes to prevent infections.
- Disinfection of textiles and fabrics.
- Treatment of clothing to prevent microbial growth.
- Cleaning and disinfecting pet hygiene products.
- Ear and eye care solutions for pets.
- Cleaning and disinfecting vehicle interiors and HVAC systems.
- Disinfection in public transportation vehicles.
- Sanitizing hotel rooms, restaurants, and food service areas.
- Cleaning and disinfecting cruise ships and recreational vehicles (RVs).
- Disinfection in schools and educational facilities.
- Sanitizing school buses and playground equipment.
- Disinfection of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
- Sterilization of drug production equipment.
Side Effects of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)
“You might wonder, with so many benefits and uses, are there any downsides to this miracle chemical?
Actually, no serious side effects of Hypochlorous have been reported to date according to research. The only potential side effect is that in rare cases, prolonged exposure could lead to irritation or allergic reactions. (Pelgrift & Friedman, 2013)
However, we always advise everyone to consult a medical professional before using Hypochlorous, and carefully review product labels to ensure there are no additional constituents in the composition.
Conclusion & Frequently Asked Questions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) is a powerful antimicrobial agent with a fascinating history and a wide range of benefits across various industries, from healthcare to agriculture to environmental applications. Its ability to effectively combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi, while being gentle on healthy cells, makes it a versatile and safe option for multiple uses. With no serious side effects reported so far, HOCl is gaining popularity for its efficacy and minimal environmental impact. To uncover more about this incredible chemical and its potential applications.
We encourage you to read the full article to fully grasp why Hypochlorous Acid is catching headlines in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in skincare helps reduce inflammation, speed up skin healing, fight redness, and cleanse the skin. It is especially useful for people with eczema, acne, or conditions like rosacea.
Hypochlorous acid is also known as HOCl, chlorine hydroxide, hydrogen hypochlorite, and hypochloric acid.
No, hypochlorous acid is not bleach. While both are from the same chlorine species family they are fundamentally different in chemistry. HOCl is a weak acid on the opposite end of the pH spectrum compared to bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite). It is about 80 times more effective against bacteria but does not exhibit any of the harmful side effects of bleach.
Hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid are different compounds. Hydrochloric acid is a strong industrial and digestive acid, while hypochlorous acid is a weaker acid made by the human immune system or through electrolysis to combat pathogens.
The pH value for optimal hypochlorous acid function is typically anywhere from 3.5 to 6.5 with near neutral pH ranges being preferred due to more stability and a longer shelf life.
Acetic acid is found in vinegar, while hypochlorous acid is a defense mechanism produced by white blood cells.
Yes, hypochlorous acid has antifungal properties, which can benefit individuals dealing with fungal skin conditions.
Hypochlorous acid is a naturally occurring weak acid made up of chlorine (Cl), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H).
Yes, hypochlorous acid is naturally produced by white blood cells as part of the body’s defense against infections.
Due to advances in electrolysis technology, hypochlorous acid can have a shelf life of up to 1 year depending on how it is stored and its formulated pH.
Sultan Alam Khan leads HOCl Hub as Editor in Chief, where he oversees product reviews and guides on cleaning solutions. Specializing in hypochlorous acid applications and green cleaning technology, he helps readers choose effective, eco-friendly disinfection products.
His expertise spans sustainable sanitization methods, chemical safety, and environmental health. At HOCl Hub, Sultan ensures all content meets strict editorial standards for accuracy and scientific backing.
