Science Quickly A Disinfectant That’s More Powerful Than Bleach—And Safe for Your Skin
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Apr 16, 2025 Join Jen Schwartz, Senior Features Editor at Scientific American, as she shares insights on hypochlorous acid, a disinfectant that's safer than bleach and even gentle on the skin. They dive into its medical and cosmetic uses, uncovering its potential in skincare and as an antiviral solution during health crises. Despite its effectiveness, the challenges of commercialization and stability complicate its broader adoption. Discover the exciting future of this powerful yet nontoxic cleaner!
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Natural Disinfectant in Our Body
- Hypochlorous acid is a disinfectant naturally produced by our white blood cells to fight infection.
- It dismantles pathogens by breaking down their walls and DNA, making it extremely effective as a sanitizer.
Personal COVID Insight Sparked Interest
- Jen Schwartz learned about hypochlorous acid during early COVID from her dad, an ENT doctor.
- She explored its potential as a safe nasal spray to protect healthcare workers from viral infections.
Powerful Yet Gentle Disinfectant
- Hypochlorous acid is 100 times more effective than bleach at killing tough pathogens.
- Despite its power, it's safe, non-toxic, and gentle enough to spray into eyes or use on skin.