Glow Definition
Hypochlorous acid in skincare is a gentle, water-based compound that’s often used in facial sprays, toners, and post-procedure mists to help calm visible irritation and support the skin barrier. Though it sounds like a harsh ingredient, it’s actually a naturally occurring molecule the body produces as part of its defense response — making it surprisingly well-suited for reactive or compromised skin routines.
Hypochlorous acid is typically formulated in ultra-lightweight solutions that can be misted directly onto the skin. It’s commonly used during flare-ups, after intense exfoliation, or when the barrier feels overly sensitive. You won’t find it in every routine — but when skin feels thrown off or “hot,” this is often the step that brings it back down without overwhelming it.
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Why It Matters
There are moments when your skin doesn’t need more — it needs less. Hypochlorous acid in skincare steps in as a minimalist’s answer to visible redness, reactivity, and general “off” days. It doesn’t coat or cover — it lightly mists the skin with a molecule it already recognizes, creating a sense of reset without requiring multiple layers. This makes it a powerful tool during routine disruptions, especially if you’ve over-exfoliated, started a new active, or just returned from a high-stress environment like travel or long sun exposure.
What makes hypochlorous acid unique is how it fits into the rhythm of real skin needs. It isn’t designed to transform — it’s designed to recalibrate. Because it plays well with almost everything else, it can be introduced at nearly any stage of your routine when your barrier feels unsettled. Think of it as a stabilizer — not flashy, not transformative on its own, but incredibly valuable when your skin needs a neutral moment to catch its breath.
GLOW TIP Use a hypochlorous acid mist after cleansing — especially when your skin feels overworked, oversensitized, or simply in need of a clean slate.
Why We Love It For Glow
There’s something grounding about a step that doesn’t demand attention — hypochlorous acid is one of those ingredients. It doesn’t tingle, brighten, or coat your skin in moisture, but it clears space. By supporting skin’s natural defenses without disrupting its balance, it quietly creates the kind of environment where glow can resurface on its own.
We love using hypochlorous acid in skincare most when skin feels on edge: after travel, breakouts, irritation, or simply too many actives in rotation. A few mists of hypochlorous acid can help recalibrate without layering on more products. It’s not a shortcut to radiance — it’s a reset button that makes everything else feel more intentional.
Reach for Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray — a minimalist mist powered by hypochlorous acid and designed for reactive skin moments.
This fragrance-free formula is made with just a few key ingredients and comes in a portable bottle that makes on-the-go resets simple. Use it after cleansing or before serum steps when your skin needs a breather — especially during flare-ups or barrier repair routines.
FAQ
What is hypochlorous acid in skincare used for?
In skincare, hypochlorous acid is often used in mists and toners that aim to soothe visibly stressed or reactive skin. It’s especially popular in barrier repair routines, post-treatment calming steps, or when the skin feels out of rhythm from travel, flare-ups, or environmental exposure.
Can I use hypochlorous acid every day?
Yes — most hypochlorous-based mists are gentle enough for daily use, sometimes even multiple times a day. They’re typically applied after cleansing or throughout the day as a refreshing mist when skin needs a quick reset. As with any new ingredient, consistency matters more than quantity.
Is hypochlorous acid the same as chlorine?
Not quite. While they’re chemically related, hypochlorous acid is a much gentler compound naturally produced by the body to support its defense systems. In skincare, it’s used in very low, controlled concentrations that are generally well-tolerated — and it doesn’t behave like pool chlorine.
Should I apply hypochlorous acid before or after serum?
Hypochlorous acid sprays are best applied directly after cleansing and before serums. Think of them as a prep step — similar to a toner — that clears the canvas and helps reset the skin before layering hydration and barrier support.