Hypochlorous Acid Explained, The Non Toxic Antimicrobial Backed by Science | Justin Gardner
1Digest
This podcast explores hyperchlorous acid (HOCl), a molecule naturally produced by white blood cells to combat pathogens and inflammation. Scientists have successfully replicated and stabilized HOCl for topical use, creating a powerful yet non-toxic antimicrobial. Active Skin Repair, a brand founded on this science, offers FDA-cleared products for open skin use, emphasizing their ability to kill harmful bacteria without disrupting the beneficial skin microbiome. The discussion highlights HOCl's versatility in treating wounds, burns, acne, and fungal infections, contrasting it with less effective or damaging traditional treatments like hydrogen peroxide and topical steroids. The importance of proper formulation for HOCl's efficacy and stability is stressed, with Active Skin Repair undergoing rigorous testing to ensure a two-year shelf life. The podcast also delves into the benefits of mineral sunscreens with high zinc oxide content and provides guidance on layering HOCl products with other skincare items. HOCl's potential extends to nebulization for air disinfection and its widespread use in animal health, underscoring its broad applicability and safety.
Outlines
Understanding Hyperchlorous Acid (HOCl) and Its Applications
Hyperchlorous acid (HOCl) is a naturally occurring molecule produced by white blood cells to fight pathogens and reduce inflammation. It has been stabilized for topical use as a powerful, non-toxic antimicrobial. Initially gaining traction on platforms like TikTok for skincare, HOCl has also been utilized in regenerative medicine for treating open wounds due to its effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Active Skin Repair, a brand that emerged from this field, offers HOCl-based products that are FDA-cleared for open skin use, highlighting their safety and efficacy across various skin issues.
The Science Behind HOCl: Microbiome Preservation and Formulation
HOCl is a selective antimicrobial, meaning it eliminates harmful bacteria while preserving the beneficial skin microbiome, making it an ideal first-line topical therapy. Active Skin Repair's formulation is FDA-cleared for open skin use, maintaining a stable pH and optimal concentration of HOCl to ensure efficacy without irritation. Many over-the-counter HOCl products lack proper formulation, leading to inactivity or adverse effects. Rigorous testing ensures Active Skin Repair's stability and efficacy for a two-year shelf life.
Versatile Uses of HOCl: From Skin to Air Disinfection
HOCl is effective for a wide range of applications, including wounds, burns, sunburns, and even conditions like cradle cap, making it suitable for sensitive skin and children due to its non-stinging and non-toxic properties. It is particularly effective in disrupting biofilms, which protect bacteria and impede wound healing. HOCl is also used for hard surface cleaning and has EPA approval for disinfecting air, including killing the COVID virus, though at-home generators may produce concentrations unsuitable for skin.
Comparing HOCl to Other Treatments and Natural Alternatives
HOCl offers a safer and more effective alternative to treatments like hydrogen peroxide, which damages healthy tissues, and some antibacterials that can cause allergic reactions. Unlike synthetic antibiotics, HOCl is a natural antimicrobial that supports healing. It is also effective against fungal infections and is considered a versatile "WD-40" for skin issues. Case studies show its efficacy in treating complex conditions like ulceration in patients with Raynaud's, and it is widely used in animal health for various infections and issues.
Expanding Skincare: Sunscreens, Serums, and Product Layering
Active Skin Repair has expanded its product line to include mineral sunscreens with high zinc oxide content for effective UVA protection, and hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid for all-over use. These products are EWG Verified, ensuring clean ingredients and high performance. The podcast advises applying HOCl first, waiting briefly, then layering with serums or sunscreens for optimal results. Developing effective and compliant sunscreens, including waterproof and stick formulations, is a key focus, emphasizing the avoidance of toxic chemicals found in some chemical sunscreens.
Advanced Wound Care and the Future of HOCl
The podcast discusses the concept of wet healing for wounds, noting the risk of trapping bacteria, and suggests pre-treating with HOCl to mitigate this. The efficacy of HOCl is supported by over 100 peer-reviewed studies, demonstrating its ability to kill complex bacteria like Staph and MRSA rapidly. HOCl's role in regenerative medicine is highlighted, outperforming other topicals in joint preparation. Active Skin Repair continues its global philanthropic efforts, donating products to aid infectious disease doctors, underscoring HOCl's speed, ease of use, and invaluable contribution in diverse medical settings.
Keywords
Hyperchlorous Acid
A natural, non-toxic antimicrobial produced by white blood cells, stabilized for topical use in skincare and wound care to fight pathogens and reduce inflammation.
Active Skin Repair
A brand offering FDA-cleared hyperchlorous acid products for open skin use, including sprays, gels, sunscreens, and serums, known for their safety and efficacy.
Skin Microbiome
The community of microorganisms on the skin; HOCl selectively kills harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial microbes, thus not disrupting the skin barrier.
Biofilm
A protective layer formed by bacteria that resists treatments; HOCl can disrupt biofilms, enabling it to kill bacteria effectively, crucial for wound healing.
Wet Healing
A wound care method that keeps wounds moist for better healing and reduced scarring, with HOCl used as a pre-treatment to prevent bacterial issues.
Mineral Sunscreens
Sunscreens using physical blockers like zinc oxide for UV protection, recommended for their stability and safety over chemical alternatives.
EWG Verified
A certification indicating products meet high health and safety standards, with transparent ingredients, applied to Active Skin Repair's cosmetic line.
Regenerative Medicine
A field where HOCl shows promise, outperforming other topicals in applications like joint preparation and wound healing.
Pediatric Skincare
HOCl is safe and effective for children's skin issues like diaper rash and baby acne due to its non-stinging, non-toxic nature.
Fungal Infections
HOCl is effective against fungal infections, often addressing the root cause before bacterial issues arise.
Q&A
What is hyperchlorous acid and why is it significant for skin health?
Hyperchlorous acid (HOCl) is a molecule naturally produced by your white blood cells to fight off pathogens and reduce inflammation. Scientists have learned to replicate and stabilize it for topical use, creating a powerful, non-toxic antimicrobial that supports the skin's natural healing process without harming the beneficial microbiome.
How does hyperchlorous acid differ from traditional wound care products like hydrogen peroxide?
Unlike hydrogen peroxide, which can damage healthy tissues and growth factors, hyperchlorous acid is a potent antimicrobial that actually supports the body's natural healing process. It effectively kills bacteria without causing the stinging or tissue destruction associated with older methods.
What makes Active Skin Repair's hyperchlorous acid products unique and effective?
Active Skin Repair products are FDA-cleared for use on open skin and are manufactured to medical-grade standards. They maintain a stable pH and optimal concentration of hyperchlorous acid, ensuring consistent efficacy and safety, unlike many less rigorously formulated over-the-counter options.
Can hyperchlorous acid be used on the face and does it disrupt the skin barrier?
Yes, hyperchlorous acid can be used on the face as part of a skincare routine. It is selective in killing harmful bacteria while preserving the beneficial skin microbiome, thus not disrupting the skin barrier. It's also non-irritating and doesn't sting.
What is a biofilm and how does hyperchlorous acid help in treating conditions related to it?
A biofilm is a protective layer formed by bacteria, making them highly resistant to treatments. Hyperchlorous acid can break down this protective matrix, allowing it to effectively kill the bacteria within, which is crucial for treating persistent infections and promoting wound healing.
Why are mineral sunscreens with high zinc oxide content recommended over chemical sunscreens?
Mineral sunscreens with a high concentration of zinc oxide (around 18-20%) provide reliable UVA protection, which is essential for preventing skin aging. Chemical sunscreens often degrade quickly in sunlight and may contain ingredients with potential hormonal disruption concerns.
How should hyperchlorous acid products be layered with other skincare items like serums and sunscreens?
Apply hyperchlorous acid first and allow it to sit on the skin for about 15 seconds. Then, you can gently pat it dry and proceed with applying serums, moisturizers, or sunscreens. This ensures the HOCl has time to work effectively.
What are some of the broader applications of hyperchlorous acid beyond topical skin treatment?
Hyperchlorous acid can be nebulized or dispersed into the air for disinfection, with EPA approval for killing viruses like COVID-19. It is also widely used in animal health for treating various infections and conditions in pets and livestock.
What is the significance of HOCl in regenerative medicine?
HOCl has shown effectiveness in regenerative medicine, even outperforming other topical treatments in preparing areas like joints for procedures, highlighting its reliability in challenging medical environments.
Where can consumers find Active Skin Repair products?
Active Skin Repair products are available at activeskinrepair.com (with a discount code DRTINA), on Instagram @activeskinrepair, on Amazon, and will be available nationwide at CVS starting in March.
Show Notes
EP. 250: Hypochlorous acid is having a moment on Skin Tok, but I’ve been using it for over a decade since my regenerative medicine days, long before it became a skincare trend.
In this episode, I sit down with Justin Gardner of Active Skin Repair to break down what hypochlorous acid actually is, how your own white blood cells generate it for protection against infection, and why it has quietly outperforms standard joint prep solutions in hospital settings.
We talk about everything from burns to wounds to sunburns, and why I would never reach for hydrogen peroxide first. I share stories from treating patients in rural hospitals using hypochlorous acid and why this simple molecule became a staple in my home, especially for skin barrier support and wound healing.
This is a practical, science backed conversation about a tool I genuinely use and trust.
Topics Discussed:
→ What is hypochlorous acid?
→ Is hypochlorous acid safe for skin?
→ Does hypochlorous acid kill MRSA?
→ Is hypochlorous acid good for wounds?
→ Can hypochlorous acid disrupt biofilms?
Sponsored By:
→ Active Skin Repair | For the next week, Dr. Tyna Show loyal listeners can get their biggest discount, 25% off all Active Skin Repair products, when you go to http://activeskinrepair.com and use code DRTYNA at checkout. After March 5th, the code will return to the standard discount.
On This Episode We Cover:
→ 00:00:00 - Introduction
→ 00:00:50 - What Is Hypochlorous Acid?
→ 00:04:32 - Clinical + Hospital Origins
→ 00:11:11 - Proper Formulation + pH
→ 00:15:49 - Wound Care Applications
→ 00:17:39 - Fungal + Bacterial Skin Issues
→ 00:20:38 - Disinfecting + Hard Surfaces
→ 00:25:21 - Sunscreen + Zinc Discussion
→ 00:28:09 - Layering Products
→ 00:31:35 - Wet Healing + “Glazing”
→ 00:35:21 - Texture + Hydration Serum
Further Listening:
→ EP. 146: Beyond the Surface - Great Skin From Within | Quick and Dirty
Check Out Active Skin Repair:
→ Active Skin Repair | For the next week, Dr. Tyna Show loyal listeners can get their biggest discount, 25% off all Active Skin Repair products, when you go to https://shop.bldgactive.com/discount/DRTYNA and use code DRTYNA at checkout. After March 5th, the code will return to the standard discount.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided in this blog/podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Tyna Moore. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.
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