Intelligence · Ingredients

The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.

Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)

The unlikely crossover ingredient of 2025: a molecule produced by the immune system's white blood cells, migrated from wound care and post-procedural disinfection into mainstream clean skincare. Kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi without disrupting the barrier — non-cytotoxic, non-sensitizing, safe even for babies and post-procedure skin. Tower 28's SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray made it viral.

Benefits
  • antibacterial without barrier disruption
  • non-sensitizing across all skin types
  • safe post-procedure and on compromised skin
Example uses
  • face mists
  • post-procedure sprays
  • acne-prone and sensitive-skin rescue
Formulation notes

Effective at 0.01–0.02%. Free of synthetic preservatives, parabens, alcohol, and fragrance.

Watchouts

Inherently unstable — poorly manufactured HOCl degrades rapidly. Quality-tier divide is wide; favor brands with documented stability data.

Clean beauty perception

Strongly positive — proof point that 'gentle' and 'effective' are not opposites.