Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is produced naturally by white blood cells in the human body as a first line of defense in the immune response. HOCl is a powerful oxidant that is effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. Despite its strong antimicrobial properties, pure HOCl is completely safe for human tissues and the environment.
Contrary to the popular belief that HOCl is a recent discovery, it actually boasts a long and well-established history of research and applications worldwide.
Discovered in 1834 by French chemist Antoine Jérôme Balard, …
.. notably employed as a wound antiseptic during World War I.
…and its use extended to hospitals in London to control the airborne spread of pathogens.
…applications in agriculture…
…applications in agriculture, and more recently, it has been proposed for use in drinking water disinfection and wastewater treatment.
…and it has been approved for use as a disinfectant in the food industry in Japan and the United States.
…and it has been approved for use as a disinfectant in the food industry in Japan and the United States. HOCl is considered the ‘most active chlorine species with strong bactericidal activity against a wide range of microorganisms.’ It is authorized for commercial use in various products for disinfection and wound treatment on the human body.
…and it has been approved for use as a disinfectant in the food industry in Japan and the United States. HOCl is considered the ‘most active chlorine species with strong bactericidal activity against a wide range of microorganisms.’ It is authorized for commercial use in various products for disinfection and wound treatment on the human body, and is listed by the EPA on List N for use against SARS-CoV-2.
…and is listed by the EPA on List N for use against SARS-CoV-2. HOCl has been extensively researched by institutions in over 50 countries, with more than 2,600 studies focused on its antimicrobial efficacy and over 3,000 studies exploring its wound care applications.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) offers a range of benefits, particularly in healthcare and sanitation applications:
In addition to these benefits, HOCl is also environmentally friendly and non-toxic, making it a safe and sustainable alternative to traditional disinfectants.
✅ Biocompatible (an endogenous substance produced by the body to fight invading pathogens)
✅ Used in the medical field to disinfect wounds (since 1915) and to disinfect drinking water (since 1970).
✅ Used as a preservative for fresh food without leaving any harmful residues (since 2000)
✅ Non-irritating to eyes and skin
✅ Decomposes in minutes into NaCl and H2O – a benign substance similar to human tears.
✅ OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) does not consider HOCl to be hazardous waste.
✅ WHO and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) declare that HOCl can be used for drinking water or food.
With its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity yet safe and biocompatible nature, HOCl does not irritate the skin, mucous membranes, bones, cartilage, and muscles. HOCl also does not cause side effects with prolonged use. Therefore, it is widely used in medicine.
Below are the applications of HOCl and related scientific studies in a number of specialties:
With its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity yet safe and biocompatible nature, HOCl does not irritate the skin, mucous membranes, bones, cartilage, and muscles. HOCl also does not cause side effects with prolonged use. Therefore, it is widely used in medicine.
Below are the applications of HOCl and related scientific studies in a number of specialties:
With its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity yet safe and biocompatible nature, HOCl does not irritate the skin, mucous membranes, bones, cartilage, and muscles. HOCl also does not cause side effects with prolonged use. Therefore, it is widely used in medicine.
Below are the applications of HOCl and related scientific studies in a number of specialties: