What is hypochlorous acid? The ingredient hyped as an acne hack, explained by dermatologists

Hypochlorous acid is the latest skin care ingredient making waves on social media, with users claiming that spraying it on your face can help with acne and other issues — but is it true?

While more research is needed to know its exact efficacy for acne, dermatolgists say hypochlorous acid does have antimicrobial and anti-inflammotary properties that can be useful for a range of skin concerns.

"It's not an official treatment that we use for acne per se, but a lot of people will report that their acne gets better while using it," says Dr. Afton Cobb, a dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in Jackson, Wyoming.