Busting common myths about hypochlorous acid
We talk a lot about the vast number of benefits that come along with hypochlorous acid, but we don't always discuss the things hypochlorous acid can't do. As a company, we are committed to only distributing and promoting research that has been held to a high scientific standard. We define these standards as research that has been peer-reviewed, published in a recognized scientific journal, properly annotated, and is not funded by a party with a clear conflict of interest.
There are plenty of myths and snake oil claims out there about hypochlorous acid. This misinformation only undermines the legitimacy of hypochlorous and weakens consumer trust. To that end, we thought we'd try our hand at myth-busters and address some of the most common claims about hypochlorous acid. The table below contains common rumors about what hypochlorous an do and peer-reviewed research which confirms or disproves the rumor.
| Claim | Peer-reviewed research available? | Prove or disprove? |
| HOCl can cure acne | A very small study (9 participants) showed that HOCl was effective in treating acne. | Proven, but needs more substantial evidence. |
| HOCl kills bedbugs | There is no research done that tests this theory with HOCl. A Purdue University study found that bleach was relatively effective in controlling bed bug infestations in chickens but was ineffective against bed bug eggs and did not completely eradicate the infestation. | Yet to be confirmed. |
| HOCl can cure allergies | There is scientific evidence which indicates HOCl can be used to manage rhinitis (the symptoms of an allergy attack), but it hasn’t been proven to be any more effective than common treatment methods. | Proven to a small extent but needs more robust research. |
| HOCl removes stains in clothes | Several HOCl manufacturers claim HOCl removes stains, and anecdotal evidence has shown that HOCl will not bleach or lighten fabrics. | Unproven and untested |
| HOCl kills mites and aphids | There are no peer-reviewed studies that prove HOCl efficacy against aphids. The only research done on the correlation between HOCl and mites is specific to Demodex mites, an ocular skin condition. This research has not proven that HOCl is significantly effective against Demodex mites. | Disproven and untested |
| HOCl reduces wrinkles | Some skincare companies marketing bottled HOCl make this claim, but there are not peer-reviewed studies to back it up. | Unproven |
Photo by Agence Olloweb on Unsplash
Sources (listed in order of myth claims)
Tirado-Sánchez, A., & Ponce-Olivera, R. M. (2009). Efficacy and tolerance of superoxidized solution in the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne. A double-blinded, placebo- controlled, parallel-group, randomized, clinical trial. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 20(5), 289–292. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546630902973995
Croney, C., Erasmus, M., Dong, Y., Vandewater, K., Ashbrook, A., Gaire, S., Foley, C., & Gondhalekar, A. (2019). Hen behavior as a tool for detecting pest infestations and improving hen welfare CAWS Report Submitted to. https://www.vet.purdue.edu/CAWS/files/documents/erasmus.pdf
Kim, H. C., Kim, D.-K., Kim, J. S., Lee, H. J., Bae, M. R., Choi, W. R., & Jang, Y. J. (2021). Hypochlorous Acid Versus Saline Nasal Irrigation in Allergic Rhinitis: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Study. American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy, 194589242110294. https://doi.org/10.1177/19458924211029428
Kabat, A. G. (2019). In vitro demodicidal activity of commercial lid hygiene products. Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), 13, 1493–1497. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S209067
Leave a comment