The Power of HOCl in Action​

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a naturally produced molecule in the human immune system. Extensively studied for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antipruritic effects, HOCl helps cleanse, calm, and support healing on even the most sensitive skin. HOCl is designed to eliminate pathogens quickly and safely. As shown here, HOCl works by targeting microbial membranes and neutralizing harmful invaders without damaging healthy tissue.

Understanding the Clinical Power of HOCl

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a naturally occurring molecule produced by neutrophils as part of the body’s innate immune response. It plays a critical role in defending against pathogens by neutralizing bacteria, viruses, and fungi — while also helping to regulate inflammation and reduce discomfort.

What Makes HOCl So Effective?

Extensive in-vitro and clinical studies have shown HOCl to possess broad-spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antipruritic properties.¹⁴

HOCl has also been observed to disrupt microbial biofilm and support a healing environment without damaging healthy tissue. Stabile HOCl formulations are non-cytotoxic, well-tolerated, and maintain their potency throughout the product’s shelf life, making them ideal for regular use on sensitive or compromised skin for wound care, pre and post procedure or other instances where infection or inflammation is a concern.

Cleanse

Pre/Post Procedure

Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial

Eliminates bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores on contact while remaining gentle on skin.¹⁴

Disrupts Biofilm – Disrupts and Penetrates Biofilm1

Biofilm is a protective matrix formed by clusters of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces — including skin and chronic wounds. This barrier not only shelters bacteria but also increases resistance to antibiotics and impairs the body’s natural immune response. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) has demonstrated effective antibiofilm activity. It works by penetrating the biofilm structure, breaking it down, and killing the microorganisms within.6 This makes HOCl a valuable tool in wound care and infection control, where biofilm is a common cause of delayed healing.

Key Characteristics of Biofilm

  • Dense clusters of bacteria encased in a self-produced protective layer
  • Frequently found in chronic infections and slow-healing wounds
  • Interferes with immune cell access and reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics
Biofilm chart

Relieve

  • Reduces Inflammation – Modulates cytokine response in keratinocytes and immune cells to calm skin.²³
  • Relieves Itch and Discomfort – Shown to reduce pruritus in inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.⁵⁶

Study 1: Open-Label Study6

Open-label, single-arm study over 7 days

Results

HOCl rapidly reduces pruritus in mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitus (AD)

Study 2: Randomized, Blinded, Controlled, Study7

  • 72-hour study
  • Treated group (n=19): HOCl BID
  • Untreated group (n-10): No treatment

Results

The mean pruritus VAS scores saw a greater improvement among the treated group than the untreated group between baseline and 72 hours post-application.

Rejuvenate

  • Supports Oxygen Availability – By reducing inflammation and microbial load, HOCl helps create a healthier local environment for tissue repair.¹² This allows for improved blood flow and oxygen exchange at the site of application — both essential to the body’s natural healing response.¹²
  • Assists Wound Healing⁶– Wound healing is a multi-phase process involving cell signaling, inflammation control, and tissue remodeling. Fibroblasts play a central role by producing the structural proteins needed for repair. In controlled studies, low concentrations of HOCl were shown to promote greater fibroblast migration compared to untreated controls after 24 hours — a key marker of tissue regeneration.⁶
  • Ideal for Sensitive Skin and Eyes – Unlike alcohol or iodine-based antiseptics, HOCl is non-irritating and non-cytotoxic to healthy tissue.¹²
  • Accelerate tissue regeneration without harming healthy cells¹³
  1. Sakayra S, et al. Hypochlorous acid as an ideal wound care agent with powerful microbicidal, antibiofilm, and wound healing potency. Wounds. 2014;26(12):342–350. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25580091/
  2. Wang L, et al. Stabilized hypochlorous acid: a component of innate immunity. J Burns Wounds. 2007;6:e5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1871634/
  3. Kim J, et al. Effect of HOCl on cytokine expression in keratinocytes. Ann Dermatol. 2016;28(5):593–601. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27689051/
  4. Sharma S, et al. Antimicrobial activity of HOCl solution on ocular pathogens. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2015;31(7):497–502. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26237592/
  5. Medina-Tamayo J, et al. Super-oxidized solution inhibits IgE-antigen-induced cytokine release in mast cells. Int Immunopharmacol. 2007;7(8):1013–1014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17590257/
  6. Draelos Z, Cash K. Evaluation of a gel formulation of HOCl to reduce pruritus in atopic dermatitis. Poster presented at: Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference. Jan 2012; Maui, HI.
  7. Berman B, Nestor M. HOCl for pruritus in atopic dermatitis. Poster presented at: Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference. Oct 2017; Las Vegas, NV.
  8. Isenberg HD, et al. Stabilized HOCl in wound management. Am J Infect Control. 2008;36(2):119–126. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18313510/