Hypochlorous Acid: Why This Dermal Mist Has Gone Viral

It started with a TikTok scroll. Then a YouTube binge. Suddenly, every skinfluencer worth their Glossier pouch was raving about a mist with the strange, clinical-sounding name “hypochlorous acid.” The more I watched, the more it felt like this was the secret everyone in the know was suddenly in on. A gentle, bacteria-banishing, barrier-repairing miracle-in-a-mist. And then one day, as if by fate, I cut open a courier box and there was a hypochlorous acid product IRL: the Qure Dermal Mist.

This was particularly lucky because that very week the product had gone viral. So viral in fact, it sold out. (Don’t worry, it’s back in stock as of our publishing date.) But here’s why people are spritzing their hearts out, and why this is more than just another mist moment.

So… What Is Hypochlorous Acid?

It may sound like something you’d find under a lab sink, but hypochlorous acid is actually a natural molecule your immune cells produce to fight off bacteria and inflammation. In skincare? It’s the goldilocks of actives: powerful enough to help with blemishes, irritation, sensitivity—even wound healing—but gentle enough for post-treatment skin, eczema, and daily use.

Dermatologists like Dr. Shah and Dr. Maxfield are singing its praises on YouTube:

“This is the right way to use hypochlorous acid in skincare,” says Dr. Shah, holding up Qure’s mist like it’s the last bottle of Evian in the apocalypse. “It’s genius in this bundle—perfect before micro-infusion or any treatment. It’s clean, clever, and makes so much sense.” He’s talking about the fact that Qure sells the mists as part of their famous micro-infusion DIY dermastamping (more on that here) and you can also use them with the Qure LED masks – so this was the perfect accompaniment. But actually the mist has many more uses than just fastidiously cleaning your dermal tools.

TikTok Is Spritzing Too…

From TikTokkers whispering about “the miracle spray” to influencers demo’ing it post-gym, pre-flight, and even (iconically) as a natural deodorant, hypochlorous acid is having a main character moment.

But there’s nuance:

“Don’t overuse it,” one creator warns. “It’s antibacterial, but you still need your good bacteria. And let it dry fully before layering actives like vitamin C—because yes, it can reduce their efficacy.”

So, pro tip? Spritz, wait til it dries, then layer. Thank you, skinfluencer university.

Why the Qure Dermal Mist Is Different

Unlike many generic HOCl sprays, Qure’s version is beautifully designed, derm-approved, and actually does something. The ultra-fine mister is giving La Mer, the formula is pH-balanced, fragrance-free, and enriched with soothing chrysanthemum. It contains a precise 0.02% concentration of hypochlorous acid, which is effective enough to deliver antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits while remaining gentle on the skin.

It’s also:

Alcohol-free and non-drying
Safe for face, body, pillowcases and tools
Gentle enough for rosacea, eczema and post-workout skin
Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic

The mini version even comes in the Limited Edition Micro-Infusion Kit (which I also tested—stay tuned for that full review).

My Experience

I started using the mist while prepping for micro-infusion, but quickly became hooked. After workouts. On flights. Over makeup. Under SPF. It’s like a refreshing, purifying moment for your skin and your senses. The scent? A faint, pool-adjacent whisper that fades fast (it’s just the HOCl doing its thing).

My skin felt calmer, less reactive, and breakouts from sweat and travel were noticeably reduced. The fact that it’s multitasking—refreshing, purifying, not wrecking your barrier—is a rare trifecta.

How to Use Hypochlorous Acid Mist Like a Pro

Here’s how I—and half the internet—recommend using it:

After cleansing: to tone and prep your skin
Before treatments: especially before micro-infusion or LED
Post-workout: to prevent sweat-induced breakouts
On bug bites, scratches even eczema to help heal and disinfect
On pillowcases or masks: in between washes
In-flight: to keep skin calm and balanced in dry cabin air
On-the-go: a skin-safe sanitizer moment for face or hands

Just don’t layer it immediately with vitamin C or antioxidants—let it dry down first to avoid reducing their efficacy.

What Customers Are Saying

“It makes my face feel clean and refreshed before microneedling.” – Tami T.

“Deserves a five star. Soothing, cleansing—worth the wait.” – Sandra P.

“Lovely product, keeps spots at a minimum.” – Megan O.

“It just feels like good skincare.” – Christina R.

So…is the Qure Dermal Mist Worth It?

The Qure Dermal Mist is a new staple in my routine. It’s simple, effective, and perfectly timed with the rise of skin minimalism and barrier care. If you’ve overdone it with actives, need a calming spray for stressed skin, or want a fuss-free, derm-approved mist that actually does something, this is it.

Stock is back and the lovely folks at Qure are doing us a special deal. In the meantime, read up, prep your wishlist, and don’t be surprised when this spray ends up on everyone’s top shelf.