Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a naturally produced molecule found in white blood cells that can restore skin to a healthy state and improve the moisture barrier. “HOCl can be reproduced in a low-pH formula that replicates your skin’s ability to protect and repair itself,” said Sybil Steele, co-founder and creative director of S’eau Prima. “It is also a well-documented anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic. Since many skin care concerns are caused by bacteria or inflammation, HOCl is a simple but incredibly potent ingredient to fight those issues.”
Hypochlorous Acid Restores Skin Health
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a naturally produced molecule found in white blood cells that can restore skin to a healthy state and improve the moisture barrier. “HOCl can be reproduced in a low-pH formula that replicates your skin’s ability to protect and repair itself,” said Sybil Steele, co-founder and creative director of S’eau Prima. “It is also a well-documented anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic. Since many skin care concerns are caused by bacteria or inflammation, HOCl is a simple but incredibly potent ingredient to fight those issues.”
According to Steele, HOCl results from chlorine (Cl) being dissolved in water (H2O), and it is created by white blood cells to defend from infection and bacteria. “HOCl attacks invading pathogens, breaking down the cell walls before destroying dangerous invaders. The antimicrobial acid is extremely effective and has been used for wound healing since WWI,” Steele said.
HOCL's Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity
A November 2018 study in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology by James Q. Del Rosso, D.O., and Neal Bhatia, M.D., indicated that HOCl can be incorporated into topical formulations due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and wound healing properties. Per the study, HOCl exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that is directly toxic to many bacteria and fungi and might also impart antiviral properties that appear to correlate with the potential therapeutic benefits of topically applied HOCl for a variety of skin disorders. The study concluded that topical HOCl appears to be well tolerated and safe, without any major adverse events reported.
Because it is a naturally produced byproduct of the body’s immune system, HOCl is gentle enough to be used in a daily skin care routine. Steele recommends incorporating the ingredient in the first step of a skin care routine via a cleanser or foundation mist and following it up with a serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.
S’eau Prima uses HOCl in its Foundational Face Mist. “S’eau Prima’s HOCl is produced from pharmaceutical grade ingredients through a proprietary high conversion electrolysis process to ensure the highest purity,” Steele said. “The pure HOCl is then further optimized for pH balance and skin compatibility.”
HOCl is generally a sensitive formula that is not compatible with others, but it can be paired with different salts, with S’eau Prima using a Bora Bora Sea Salt. The bacteria-killing abilities are like hydrogen peroxide, but Steele doesn’t see much of a comparison between the two powerful ingredients, saying, “it (HOCl) is one of a kind and it’s important to note that our own bodies create it, so it is not only natural, but powerful. In a landscape of formulations, what is more intelligent than our own evolved bodies?”
