Quick—what do retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid all have in common? They're all superstars when it comes to skincare, praised for their youth-boosting, skin-brightening, and plumping benefits, respectively. But lurking quietly behind the scenes is a skincare MVP that many people overlook: hypochlorous acid (HOCI). Don’t be thrown off by its somewhat technical name—this gentle yet powerful ingredient is equally as deserving of being part of your skincare lineup.
But let's back up, because before hypochlorous acid became a skincare favorite, the antibacterial powerhouse was already a trusted ingredient in household cleaning products. (It’s the reason your disinfectant sprays and wipes are powerful enough to tackle bacteria and viruses, but gentle enough to be safe around your family and pets.)
