We’re all familiar with that darling grandmother in the Frank’s RedHot commercials declaring she puts the sauce on everything. Well, let me introduce you to the skin-care equivalent. I got my hands on Medicube’s summer launch, Hypochlorous Acid Daily Facial Spray ($22), about a month ago, and it has been my salve for just about every skin concern that’s popped up since.
What is hypochlorous acid?
Hypochlorous acid has been having a well-deserved moment in the spotlight recently. The soothing bacteria buster has been getting a lot of attention for its ability to clear up acne with its antimicrobial powers, but that’s not all it’s good for. “Dermatologists have been recommending hypochlorous acid for chronic breakouts, eczema, dermal aftercare, skin fatigue and bumpy skin. The benefits for your skin are endless,” President and CEO of Simple Science, Mike Schreiber, previously told us. “Try it for piercing aftercare, prickly allergy-prone skin, hormonal breakouts, post-gym cleansing, pore tightening, itchy scalp, rashy cheeks, skin detox, morning hydration and more.”
My review of Medicube’s hypochlorous acid spray
Experts say hypochlorous acid can help with a range of skin concerns and I put Medicube’s spray to the test in late summer. The pH-balanced facial toner spray is meant to soothe and purify skin and offers a clearer complexion and refreshing finish. Medicube recommends using it after cleansing or anytime your skin needs soothing, including over makeup, after workouts and during travel.
My first course of action with Medicube’s hypochlorous acid spray was spritzing the hormonal acne that pops up near my chin from time to time, but that was just the beginning. My armpits? Spritzed them. My buttocks after a sweaty bike ride? Spritzed them too.
Perhaps the most impressive usage I found for the spray was on my fingers. I’m often caught picking at my nails or playing with my cuticles, which anyone with a similar bad habit knows can lead to infections in open wounds you created yourself. One day, a particularly stubborn infection on my thumb prompted me to try dousing it in a bit of Medicube’s hypochlorous acid spray. Remarkably, the next day the infection was nearly cleared up. It’s now my new favorite trick to have on hand.
There’s another use I love but perhaps shouldn’t promote, which is relying on it during late nights when doing a full face wash routine seems like too much. As we know, you should never sleep in your makeup, but sometimes a double cleanse is simply not in the cards. To make me feel clean and confident that I won’t wake up with a breakout I quickly wash my face or use makeup wipes, then spritz some of this spray on to make sure any of the bacteria is banished and my skin is lightly hydrated. In addition to the hypochlorous acid in the spray, the formula also features niacinamide, allantoin and panthenol, which help even skin tone and texture and provide a hydrating finish.
