A hypochlorous acid might sound like something you’d only encounter in a science lab, but in the world of beauty it’s become everything from a gym bag essential to a sensitive skin saviour. For me, Isoclean’s iteration of the spray is the cream of the crop.
Naturally produced by the body as part of its immune response, hypochlorous acid is often used in clinical settings in place of traditional antiseptics. This is largely because it helps to keep skin hygienic after facial treatments and minor procedures, where maintaining a calm, non-irritated barrier is key. However, in a non-professional setting, it’s typically used as a lightweight mist to calm, clarify and freshen the skin.
With heatwaves, gym sessions and general day-to-day grime all taking their toll on skin, these sprays have taken up permanent residence in many skincare buffs’ routines. I’ve tested numerous hypochlorous acid mists through the years, with some costing near to £30 – but it’s Isoclean’s £14 formula that’s consistently improved the state of my skin.
It’s completely odourless, incredibly lightweight and sits invisibly under make-up without causing separation. With a product that’s so simple, where formulas can often feel interchangeable, this one stood out for its efficacy and reliabiliy when used regularly after exercise or on particularly sweaty days. Here’s why I recommend it.
Read more: Best best hypochlorous acid sprays, tried and tested
Isoclean hypochlorous acid spray
Rating: 5/5
Size: 275ml
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Why we love it
- Odourless
- Sits well under make-up
- Noticeably reduced breakouts when used consistently after sweaty gym sessions
Take note
- Can leave skin feeling temporarily tight
Isoclean’s hypochlorous acid spray does everything you want it to, and not a lick more – which is exactly what I want for £14, especially when squeezing the formula between my existing roster of potions and lotions.
While many hypochlorous acid products can carry a sharp, chlorine-like aroma, this one is entirely neutral – meaning it won’t trigger any odour-sensitive pregnant users. It’s consistency upon application is weightless (like Evian’s aerosol water spray) and it’s invisible on the skin, so it won’t interfere with any glowy or matte-textured make-up products once layered on top.
It’s cooling initially, making it ideal for the UK’s rising temperatures, but leaves skin feeling ever-so-slightly tight in the moments after. This sensation settled quickly and didn’t develop into irritation (I’d know, my skin is quite flare up-prone), but it’s something very sensitive skin types may want to be mindful of.
The formula itself is minimal and built around water, stabilising salts and of course, hypochlorous acid. For sensitive skin types, this gives it an edge on some multi-ingredient options from competitors. Its simplicity also makes it easy to use consistently without overthinking placement in your routine.
As mentioned, hypochlorous acid is widely used for its antimicrobial properties and is commonly found in medical and post-procedural settings to help cleanse skin and reduce bacteria (without harsh stripping agents). When used at-home, however, these sprays come in handy post-workout, after commuting and whenever skin feels congested. On days when I had to hot-foot it back to work after a lunchtime gym session, the Isoclean spray made for a handy stopgap in lieu of a proper shower and facial cleanse. As a result, I saw less breakouts and blackheads than usual in the days after exercising, excluding any hormonal interference depending on my monthly cycle.
Overall, it’s a reliable, no-frills option that prioritises practicality over trend-led extras such as fragrance and, in this category, that’s often exactly what works best.
Buy now £14, Amazon.co.uk
Does Isoclean hypochlorous acid actually work?
If you’re looking for a low-effort way to keep your skin in check through workouts, stuffy commutes, hot-weather stickiness and general pollution, Isoclean’s hypochlorous acid is one of the most dependable options I’ve tested from the HOCI field. It won’t overhaul your routine or deliver dramatic overnight changes, but it helps to keep skin clearer and maintain a balanced oil biome when external factors are trying to wreak havoc on your face. It’s simple with no fragrance and a weightless finish, and at sub-£15 it feels easy to integrate into your daily roster of products – particularly if your breakouts are triggered by sweat or congestion.
How I tested
I initially tested Isoclean’s formula alongside several other hypochlorous acid sprays through a series of gym sessions, commuter journeys and warm-weather spikes, using it both on bare skin and over make-up to assess real-world performance. Since then, I’ve used it consistently for almost a year, making me well aware of how comfortable, irritable and easy to use it is over time. In my review, I paid attention to the following criteria:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Lucy Smith is a senior shopping writer with a breadth of experience on the both latest and long-standing beauty formulas. Covering everything from the best moisturisers for oily skin to the best hyaluronic acid serums, she’s up to date on ingredient innovations, and regularly speaks to dermatologists to inform her own testing. As someone who suffers from blackhead clusters and occasional bouts of acne, she’s well placed to see if Isoclean’s hypochlorous acid improves her complexion with repeat use.
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