--- title: "Searches for Hypochlorous Acid Spray Have Jumped This Winter: 7 Ways to Use the Skincare Mist" description: UK searches for hypochlorous acid spray are up by more than half. What the mist does for winter skin, how to use it and the bottle mix-up to avoid. author: Dr Marina Nani (Editor-in-Chief) date: 2026-11-04T09:00:00.079Z updated: 2026-11-04T09:00:00.092Z canonical: https://richwoman.co/article/searches-for-hypochlorous-acid-spray-have-jumped-this-winter-7-ways-to-use-the-skincare-mist image: https://cdn.nanimediahouse.com/pexels-10222456.webp categories: Beauty & Style, Self-Care content_type: Guide publication: Rich Woman Magazine schema_type: Article --- Hypochlorous acid spray has become the skincare mist of the season. Around 14,800 people in Britain search for it on Google every month, and over the past three months searches have averaged more than 22,000 a month, more than half as many again as earlier in the year. Searches for the Medicube and Dr Althea versions have climbed fastest, and many shoppers add a shop name to the search, from Boots and Superdrug to Tesco and Home Bargains. The name sounds like something from a laboratory, yet your own body makes hypochlorous acid every day. Here are seven ways to use it well this winter. ## What Hypochlorous Acid Is and Why Your Body Makes It Your immune system produces hypochlorous acid to destroy bacteria, viruses and other germs that invade the body. It kills microbes effectively while staying gentle on healthy tissue. Manufacturers now recreate the same compound from a simple saltwater solution, which is how it has found its way into facial sprays, serums, gels, wound-care products and household cleaners. ## Mist It on Sensitive Skin After Cleansing Cold air outside and central heating inside can leave your face dry and reactive by December. Hypochlorous acid kills unwanted bacteria without the burning or tightness that alcohol and stronger antiseptics can cause, which makes it a good choice for sensitive skin. Spray it on clean skin after you wash your face, let it dry, then apply your serum and moisturiser. The mist cleanses but does not hydrate, so you still need a rich moisturiser through the winter months. ## Use Hypochlorous Acid Spray After the Gym A few sprays straight after a workout help clear the bacteria that cause breakouts. Lowering the amount of bacteria on your skin may help limit spots along your jaw, forehead and hairline. Keep a travel bottle in your gym bag for the days you cannot shower straight away. ## Calm Irritated Winter Skin Its gentleness means hypochlorous acid may calm the irritation linked to eczema and psoriasis, two conditions that often flare in cold weather. Wound-care products use it to kill harmful bacteria, which helps cuts and scrapes heal. If you live with a skin condition, check with your GP or dermatologist before you add anything new to your routine. ## Keep Your Face Spray and Your Cleaning Spray Apart Searches for hypochlorous acid sprays for the home have grown faster than any other kind this autumn, from around 40 a month to almost 700 for 'hypochlorous acid spray for home'. The household versions fight the germs behind flu, norovirus and COVID-19, kill E. coli and Salmonella, neutralise odours and are safe to use around children and pets. The formulas differ, though. What you mist on your face is not what you wipe over a kitchen worktop or a toilet seat, so use each bottle only for the purpose printed on its label. ## Choose a Fragrance-Free Hypochlorous Acid Spray If your skin reacts easily, pick a fragrance-free formula. Keep the mist out of your eyes, never swallow it and follow the directions on the bottle. Used as directed, it carries very little risk for most people. ## Treat It as One Step, Not a Cure-All Some online enthusiasts treat the mist as the answer to every skin problem. It is a gentle cleanser that fights bacteria, and it works best as one step in a simple routine. It will not replace your moisturiser, your sun protection or a visit to a dermatologist for a problem that does not clear. For more ways to look after yourself as the nights draw in, try our [seven evening rituals backed by science](https://richwoman.co/article/afterdark-evening-rituals), and see [the ingredients about to disappear from your bathroom cabinet](https://richwoman.co/article/the-ingredients-about-to-disappear-from-your-bathroom-cabinet). Start with one bottle, use it every day for a fortnight and note how your skin responds.