Discovery and Early Days
In 1834, French chemist Antoine Jérôme Balard first identified hypochlorous acid when he passed chlorine gas through water. Balard, already known for discovering bromine, realized that this weak acid (HOCl) was a powerful oxidizer. At the time, the full potential of HOCl was not yet understood, but it was clear that it had strong disinfectant properties.
HOCl and Disinfection
By the late 1800s and early 1900s, scientists understood that chlorine compounds could disinfect water and surfaces. HOCl became recognized as the most active disinfecting form among chlorine-based solutions. Its strength lay in its ability to penetrate microbial cell walls, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi — and doing so faster than hypochlorite (bleach), without the same level of irritation or corrosiveness.
World Wars and Medical Use
During World War I, hypochlorous acid was used in wound care to treat injuries on the battlefield. It helped reduce infection when antibiotics were not yet available. Known under formulations like Dakin’s solution (a mix of sodium hypochlorite and boric acid), these early medical uses proved HOCl’s potential in healthcare, though the formulations at the time were unstable and hard to store.
Modern Breakthroughs
For decades, the problem with hypochlorous acid was its instability — it degraded quickly, making it difficult to package or sell commercially. But in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, breakthroughs in electrochemical activation (ECA) changed that. Scientists developed methods to generate stable HOCl solutions by passing a saltwater solution through a special electric current. This innovation unlocked a new era of commercial applications, making it possible to bottle stable HOCl for everyday use.
Today’s Hypochlorous Revolution
Modern hypochlorous acid companies harness these advances to deliver safe, effective, and eco-friendly disinfectants, wound care solutions, facial sprays, pet care products, and more. Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, HOCl is naturally produced by the human immune system to fight pathogens — making it both gentle on people and lethal to germs.
Today, companies like The Hypochlorous Company stand at the forefront of this revolution, providing pure, stabilized HOCl products that meet the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and environmental responsibility. We are proud to continue the legacy of this remarkable molecule — combining cutting-edge science with nature’s own defense mechanisms to protect homes, healthcare facilities, and communities worldwide.