Hypochlorous Acid Spray Is the Only Thing That Keeps My Acne-Prone Skin Clear in the Summer

No matter how much damage control I try to do for my acne-prone skin in the summer, my face still ends up becoming a sweaty, shiny, tomato-red mess within minutes of stepping outside. And sure enough, there’s always a new zit or two brewing shortly after.

I’ve tried everything (including blotting papers to sop up oil and “redness relief” serums to calm my inflamed face) but nothing worked—until I bought a bottle of hypochlorous acid. According to a bunch of people on TikTok who relate to my seasonal struggles, this skin-saving ingredient is a master at banishing sweat-spawned pimples—and after two years of using it myself, I’m happy to confirm that it’s my secret weapon for keeping blemishes at bay.

Just to make sure these impressive results aren’t all in my head, though, I asked two dermatologists if this stuff truly deserves my rave review. Here’s everything they told me about my skin care BFF.

So, what is hypochlorous acid?

Hypochlorous acid is an antibacterial (meaning it can kill bacteria, including the kind that causes acne) and antimicrobial (it destroys other pathogens like fungi and viruses) compound that’s found in a lot of household disinfectants, including bleach.

But don’t let that scare you away: As a lifelong member of the sensitive-skin club, I would never recommend something you’d use on a grimy bathtub for your delicate face. When hypochlorous acid is properly diluted, it’s safe for pretty much anyone to try, Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego and the founder of skin care company AziMD, tells SELF.

“Our white blood cells naturally produce hypochlorous acid [made of hydrogen, oxygen, and chlorine] as part of an immune response to fight off bacteria and viruses,” Dr. Shirazi explains. Skin care companies chemically replicate this natural compound by electrically charging a mixture of salt, water, and vinegar (a process called electrolysis), so it can be used topically. And research shows that this solution is gentle enough to use directly on your face to get rid of the little microorganisms responsible for your breakouts.

(Plus, since hypochlorous acid already exists in your body, it’s less likely to cause irritation and allergic reactions compared to more potent acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide, Dr. Shirazi adds.)

Here’s how hypochlorous acid can help prevent acne in the summer—and beyond.

As I complained about above, when the heat and humidity ramp up, my skin feels bumpier than usual. That’s pretty common, research suggests, because high temperatures can trigger your body to produce more sebum (the skin’s natural oil)—which, in excess, can lead to breakouts. When sweat mixes with that extra oil, along with the dirt and dead skin cells already on your face, you’ve got the perfect storm for clogging pores and creating annoying blemishes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology

So for those times when you’re a sticky, sweaty mess—and double-cleansing isn’t an option—Dr. Shirazi recommends spraying your face with hypochlorous acid. Not only will that little spritz feel cooling and refreshing, but this derm-favorite ingredient can also prevent and kill acne-causing bacteria, which thrive in warm, moist environments (like your hot, sticky face), she adds.

Another notable perk: Unlike stronger zit-fighters such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid (which can be drying), hypochlorous acid is gentle and safe for pretty much everyone, Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University, tells SELF. So “it’s a great option for anyone with sensitive skin who may be experiencing irritation from other standard acne treatments,” Dr. Garshick says.

Just to be on the safe side, though, Dr. Shirazi says people with super reactive skin (including folks with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis) should do a patch test first on their forearm: “Again, hypochlorous acid is generally well-tolerated, but potential side effects like irritation, dryness, or allergic reactions can affect those with particularly irritable skin or anyone who’s allergic to chlorine and its related compounds.”

How to add hypochlorous acid to your routine

For the best results, Dr. Garshick recommends spritzing it across your face right after cleansing and before serums or moisturizers. “If thicker products are applied first, they can block the absorption of a more lightweight spray like hypochlorous acid,” she explains. You can also reapply it midday over makeup or post-workout to give your face a little bacteria-killing pick-me-up.

Just make sure not to overdo it: Even though the risk of irritation is pretty low compared to more potent actives, using hypochlorous acid too often may be drying, Dr. Shirazi warns (it is technically an acid, after all). “It also has the potential to disrupt the skin microbiome, leading to imbalances in beneficial bacteria,” she adds. “So you don’t want to go overboard.”

A good rule of thumb: Use hypochlorous acid no more than twice daily, depending on how dry or sensitive your skin is, both Dr. Garshick and Dr. Shirazi recommend. You can buy it on Amazon, at beauty stores like Ulta and Sephora, or in the skin care (not cleaning!) aisle of your local drugstore. If you want my opinion, these are the three products that I’ve tried, loved, and now consider staples in my morning and nighttime routines.

I keep these bottles on my bedside table and in my bathroom cabinet, but I’m so dependent on my holy grail spray that I can’t leave my house without it, especially during the summer. So I also recommend pouring your favorite pick into a travel-size bottle. That way, your pimple-fighting mist can be with you wherever you go—whether it’s tucked in your purse during your morning commute or stashed in your workout bag.

Related:

• How to Hydrate Your Painfully Dry Skin When You’re Just Starting Retinol
• The Best (and Worst!) Viral Skin Care Trends If You Have Eczema
• The Mental Health Effects of Acne Are Very, Very Real