Top Uses for Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) That Might Surprise You!
Our powerhouse active ingredient is inside every batch of Force of Nature, but did you know it’s also inside YOU? Hypochlorous acid (or HOCl) is nature’s oldest disinfectant, a substance your white blood cells produce to keep you healthy and fight infection. It’s also the ingredient that makes Force of Nature as effective as bleach – without toxic chemicals.
HOCl acid works by attacking pathogens by breaking down their cell walls and is extremely effective at killing germs, viruses, and bacteria. While our body naturally and efficiently produces this superpowered disinfectant, scientists had to come up with a way to produce it so we could harness its highly effective power for other germ-killing applications.
The solution: electrolyzed water. By combining three simple ingredients (salt, vinegar, and water) in the right proportions, and running an electrical current through them, the chemical structure changes:
- The sodium in the salt separates from the chloride, which is then negatively charged.
- The chloride then bonds with oxygen and hydrogen from the water, which converts it from Cl- to HOCl.
- The sodium is positive, so it’s attracted to the negative charge, bonding it with oxygen and hydrogen, which creates NaOH, Sodium hydroxide, a common detergent.
- Finally, the vinegar achieves the right pH to 1) meet EPA requirements (to be registered as a disinfectant that kills 99.9% of germs) and 2) is critical for producing HOCl and not sodium hypochlorite (bleach) which is a caustic and toxic substance that requires protective gear.
Before we dive into the most common uses, let’s get a good understanding of the benefits of HOCl.
5 Benefits of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)
- Antimicrobial Properties: Hypochlorous acid is a potent antimicrobial agent effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms and can kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
- Safe for Use on Skin: It is gentle and safe for use on the skin, making it suitable for skin care products aimed at treating conditions such as acne, eczema, and minor burns.
- Wound Healing: Hypochlorous acid promotes wound healing by reducing inflammation, preventing infections, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. It’s commonly used in wound care products to accelerate healing and minimize scarring.
- Non-Toxic and Environmentally Friendly: Unlike many traditional antimicrobials, hypochlorous acid is non-toxic to humans and animals at the right concentrations and environmentally friendly as it breaks down into harmless ingredients (salt & water).
- Fast-Acting: HOCl exhibits rapid antimicrobial activity, making it an efficient option for killing germs. Depending on the concentration, it can quickly kill pathogens on surfaces or wounds, helping to prevent infections.
Now let’s learn about some of the incredible and surprising uses for HOCl today.
What Is Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) Used For?
Killing SARs-CoV-2
HOCl is regulated by the EPA as a pesticide, and Force of Nature is included on List N, the EPA’s List of Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.
Wound Care
HOCl has a long history of use in wound care. First synthesized in 1834 by a French chemist, it was used by armies in WW1 and WW2 for wound cleaning and neutralizing chemical burns. Chronic wounds are the perfect environment for infection.
HOCl is considered an ideal wound care agent because of its efficacy in targeting the bacteria causing the infection without harming the healthy tissue.
Ophthalmology and Eye Care
Hypochlorous acid benefits also extend to ophthalmology, where HOCl is commonly used in eye care products. Our eyes are made from delicate tissue, so the combination of a gentle yet potent antimicrobial agent helps fight infection and reduce inflammation.
In certain applications, like Blepharitis, a common cause of ocular irritation, HOCl has been found to lower the population of harmful bacteria without altering the biodiversity of bacterial species (many of which may be beneficial) on adjacent skin.
Veterinary Care
HOCl is used in veterinary medicine for small and large animals in wound care for its bacteria and virus-killing properties.
Common dermatological issues for animals, like Pruritis (chronic itching), can be caused by allergies, parasites, and infections and the accompanying scratching and licking can cause red, inflamed areas that can lead to painful bacteria infections. HOCl soothes the skin, reduces pain, and helps reduce factors that allow for bacteria growth.
Hospital, ICU, NICU, and Doctor’s Office Disinfecting
HOCl is used in medical disinfecting and has been for decades and, during the pandemic, doctors and medical specialists trusted Force of Nature to provide an on-demand option for effective disinfecting amid disinfectant supply shortages, with no harmful chemicals or fumes that can trigger health conditions.
Force of Nature is a federally EPA registered Hospital disinfectant proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including Norovirus, Salmonella, Influenza A, Staph, MRSA, Listeria & Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. The federal EPA has registered Force of Nature for sanitizing and disinfecting hospitals, ICUs, medical clinics, and more.
The EPA registers 3 types of disinfectants based on their germ-killing efficacy: Limited, Broad-Spectrum, and Hospital. Force of Nature is EPA-registered as a hospital disinfectant.
Limited disinfectants are effective against only a specific major group of microorganisms (such as gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria).
Broad-spectrum disinfectants are effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Hospital disinfectants are broad-spectrum disinfectants that are also effective against the nosocomial bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.
Dermatology and Skin Care
The skin is our immune system’s frontline, protecting us from the elements and all the allergens, germs, and trauma that exist in our world. Dermatologists are now harnessing the power of HOCl to support our skin by fighting bacteria (a cause of acne), to heal wounds faster, and to combat inflammation that comes with conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
During the pandemic, dermatologists turned to HOCl to help combat “mask-ne” – a result of wearing face masks. HOCl is great for sensitive skin because it doesn’t dry out or irritate the skin. HOCl is an extra line of defense for removing bacteria and healing skin that can be found in sprays, creams, and serums. If you’re looking for a super gentle surface cleaner, Force of Nature is certified 100% skin-safe and best for sensitive skin by SkinSAFE, Mayo Clinic’s allergy rating system.
Bring the Power of HOCl Home
At Force of Nature, we’ve harnessed the commercial-cleaning power of hypochlorous acid but sized it for use at home by miniaturizing the electrolyzed water technology to fit on your countertop. Our small appliance electrolyzes tap water and our capsules of salt, water, and vinegar into a powerful multi-purpose hypochlorous acid cleaner and EPA-registered disinfectant that’s just as effective as conventional cleaners – but with no harmful chemicals, residues or fumes. It’s gentle enough to use around children and animals and is on the EPA’s List of Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.
Force of Nature hypochlorous acid spray can be used to replace sanitizers, disinfectants, deodorizers, bleach, kitchen, bath, glass, and rug cleaners. Learn more about how Force of Nature kills viruses and how to use Force of Nature on virtually every surface of your home or shop for your Force of Nature starter kit.
