Hypochlorous Acid Explained, The Non Toxic Antimicrobial Backed by Science | Justin Gardner

Feb 26, 2026

Justin Gardner, founder of Active Skin Repair and HOCl clinical expert, explains hypochlorous acid and its clinical origins. He covers formulation and why pH and potency matter. They discuss wound care, biofilm disruption, hospital and pediatric uses, and non-stinging surface and air disinfection. Practical tips on layering with skincare and why HOCl outperforms peroxide are also explored.

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INSIGHT

Hypochlorous Is Your Immune System's Antimicrobial

Hypochlorous acid is the exact antimicrobial molecule produced inside human white blood cells to kill pathogens and reduce inflammation.
Scientists replicated and stabilized it into topical formulations so you can apply the same innate immune molecule to skin for antimicrobial and healing effects.

ANECDOTE

From Regenerative Brigades To A Gel In Hawaii

Tyna first encountered hypochlorous acid during regenerative medicine brigades where surgeons used it as a joint prep and it outperformed chlorhexidine and iodine.
She later found veterinary bottles at feed stores and then used a gel version in Hawaii after a puncture wound with high staph risk.

ADVICE

Buy Properly Formulated Hypochlorous Only

Use hypochlorous formulated at ~100–200 ppm and kept in pH 5–7 for safe, effective topical antimicrobial action.
Choose FDA-cleared products with expiration/lot info to ensure stability and that the HOCl remains active for up to two years.

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EP. 250: Hypochlorous acid is having a moment on Skin Tok, but I’ve been using it for over a decade since my regenerative medicine days, long before it became a skincare trend.

In this episode, I sit down with Justin Gardner of Active Skin Repair to break down what hypochlorous acid actually is, how your own white blood cells generate it for protection against infection, and why it has quietly outperforms standard joint prep solutions in hospital settings.

We talk about everything from burns to wounds to sunburns, and why I would never reach for hydrogen peroxide first. I share stories from treating patients in rural hospitals using hypochlorous acid and why this simple molecule became a staple in my home, especially for skin barrier support and wound healing.

This is a practical, science backed conversation about a tool I genuinely use and trust.

Topics Discussed:

→ What is hypochlorous acid?

→ Is hypochlorous acid safe for skin?

→ Does hypochlorous acid kill MRSA?

→ Is hypochlorous acid good for wounds?

→ Can hypochlorous acid disrupt biofilms?

Sponsored By:

→ Active Skin Repair | For the next week, Dr. Tyna Show loyal listeners can get their biggest discount, 25% off all Active Skin Repair products, when you go to http://activeskinrepair.com and use code DRTYNA at checkout. After March 5th, the code will return to the standard discount.

On This Episode We Cover:

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction

→ 00:00:50 - What Is Hypochlorous Acid?

→ 00:04:32 - Clinical + Hospital Origins

→ 00:11:11 - Proper Formulation + pH

→ 00:15:49 - Wound Care Applications

→ 00:17:39 - Fungal + Bacterial Skin Issues

→ 00:20:38 - Disinfecting + Hard Surfaces

→ 00:25:21 - Sunscreen + Zinc Discussion

→ 00:28:09 - Layering Products

→ 00:31:35 - Wet Healing + “Glazing”

→ 00:35:21 - Texture + Hydration Serum

Further Listening:

→ EP. 146: Beyond the Surface - Great Skin From Within | Quick and Dirty

Check Out Active Skin Repair:

→ Active Skin Repair | For the next week, Dr. Tyna Show loyal listeners can get their biggest discount, 25% off all Active Skin Repair products, when you go to https://shop.bldgactive.com/discount/DRTYNA and use code DRTYNA at checkout. After March 5th, the code will return to the standard discount.

Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, or any information contained on or in any product. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or other supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem. Information provided in this blog/podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast by you does not create a doctor-patient relationship between you and Dr. Tyna Moore. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease.