Status Report on Topical Hypochlorous Acid: Clinical Relevance of Specific Formulations, Potential Modes of Action, and Study Outcomes.

In-vitro and in-vivo studies have supported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and other biologic properties of hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which has led to its use in the treatment of skin wounds, pruritus, diabetic ulcers, and some inflammatory skin disorders. Research has also shown that the physiochemical properties of HOCl after application to skin are highly dependent on both pH and formulation stability. In this review, the authors discuss a core HOCI formulation (Microcyn® Technology, Sonoma Pharmaceuticals, Petaluma, California) that is stable for up to two years, noncytotoxic, and pH-neutralized to augment therapeutic activity, skin tolerability, and stability. The authors summarize relevant study outcomes and potential modes of action related to this core HOCI formulation, as well as describe its ready-to-use vehicles that are approved and available for topical application.