hypochlorous acid

noun

hy·​po·​chlo·​rous acid ˌhī-pə-ˈklȯr-əs- 

: an unstable strongly oxidizing but weak acid HClO obtained in solution along with hydrochloric acid by reaction of chlorine with water and used especially in the form of salts as an oxidizing agent, bleaching agent, disinfectant, and chlorinating agent

Examples of hypochlorous acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With no harsh active ingredients, hypochlorous acid is even gentle enough to apply post-laser treatments or chemical peels to speed up healing and soothe irritation. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 26 June 2026

The same is true for hypochlorous acid sprays, which are anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. — Julia Landwehr, Health, 5 June 2026

This hypochlorous acid spray is pretty much the only remedy—a few spritzes after a flight or during a long travel day revive my decrepit skin. — Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 May 2026

And the first product and the only product that’s in every door is the hypochlorous acid spray. — Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hypochlorous acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

hypochlorous acid

noun

hy·​po·​chlo·​rous acid -ˌklōr-əs-, -ˌklȯr- 

: an unstable strongly oxidizing but weak acid HClO obtained in solution along with hydrochloric acid by reaction of chlorine with water and used especially in the form of salts as an oxidizing agent, bleaching agent, disinfectant, and chlorinating agent