Hypochlorous Acid Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Application (Disinfectant, Sanitizing Agent, and Others), By End-use (Medical, Personal Care, Food & Beverages, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The disinfectant segment primarily drives the hypochlorous acid market. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a major inorganic bactericidal compound effective against many microorganisms. It is a weak acid produced by disintegrating chlorine in water. It exhibits good oxidizing and microbial features. It is used as a disinfectant agent in medicine, water treatment, and food additives. Sodium and calcium hypochlorite are common derivatives of hypochlorous acid that are most commonly consumed. Hypochlorous acid is extensively used in various applications, such as water treatment, wound control, food & beverages, personal care, and oil & gas.

The hypochlorous acid market is also driven by the medical sector, its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it useful in pharmaceutical applications. In addition, it is utilized in wound healing ointments, antibacterial creams, and drug delivery systems. As the pharmaceutical industry expands and focuses on advanced formulations, the demand for hypochlorous acid is expected to rise.

• In 2021, the Japanese National Institute of Technology and Evaluation determined hypochlorous acid effectively inactivates SARS-CoV-2.

The increasing need for wound healing and disinfecting solutions drives the global demand for hypochlorous acid. It helps to remove chronic wound-based biofilms that inhibit the risk of blood toxicity. The disinfection process involves the destruction of microbes or viruses from the cell wall, enabling the disinfectant to kill or inactivate them. It is also expected that the growing prevalence of wound diseases, such as diabetic foot ulcers, would positively affect market growth.

• Asia Pacific dominates the region, with around 38% of total production. China and India are the largest producers of hypochlorous acid in this region.

The major hypochlorous acid industry consumers by regions are China, Japan, and India in Asia Pacific; the United States & Canada in North America; Germany and France in Europe; and Saudi Arabia and UAE in the Middle East.

• The total revenue generated by the Asia Pacific region in the personal care segment was USD 219.23 billion in 2022.


• In 2022, the total revenue generated by Europe in personal care was USD 47.45 billion.

Key Insights

The report will cover the following key insights:

• Key Emerging Trends – For Major Regions


• Key Developments: Mergers, Acquisition, Partnership, etc.


• Latest Technological Advancement


• Insights on Sustainability


• Porters Five Forces Analysis


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Hypochlorous Acid Market

Hypochlorous Acid Market Segmentation

Analysis by Application

By application, the disinfectant segment holds a significant share of the global hypochlorous acid market.

• Hypochlorous acid is used for disinfecting water in swimming pools, drinking water treatment plants, and wastewater treatment facilities. It kills bacteria, viruses, and algae, ensuring safe and clean water.


• Hypochlorous acid is used for surface disinfection and as a wound cleanser due to its antimicrobial properties in healthcare settings. It is safe for use in hospitals, clinics, and dental offices. It is easy to store, highly portable, and more efficient than chlorine gas.

Analysis by End-use

By end-use, the medical segment holds a significant share of the global hypochlorous acid market. 

• Hypochlorous acid has several critical applications within the medical segment due to its excellent antimicrobial properties and safety for human use. In dermatology, it is employed to manage skin conditions such as acne and dermatitis. It can soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation.


• In addition, hypochlorous acid is used as an eye wash and disinfectant in ophthalmic procedures to prevent eye infections and to cleanse the eyes before examinations and surgeries. Furthermore, some dental products contain hypochlorous acid for its excellent antibacterial properties. These factors will boost the demand for hypochlorous acid in the coming years.

Regional Analysis

North America dominated the global hypochlorous acid industry in recent years. The growth is driven by the increased application of this acid as a cleansing agent in cream and lotion manufacturing. Antiviral and antimicrobial nature are essential properties that help heal skin damage by causing epithelial recovery under the skin layer. Hypochlorous acid is widely adopted in the water treatment industry in the Asia Pacific countries such as China and India. Increased demand for oxidizing and sanitizing agents to provide good quality water is driving the market growth in the region. Growing customer perception towards clean water and strict government regulations to safeguard water supply are projected to increase demand in the near future.

Revenue of personal care segment by country in 2022

• United States - USD 89.51 million


• China - USD 55.56 million


• Japan - USD 40.34 million


• India - USD 26.89 million


• Brazil - USD 21.65 million

Key Players Covered

• BASF


• Lenntech B.V.


• Arkema S.A.


• Nouryon


• Lonza


• Kuehne Company


• Tosoh Corporation


• Aditya Birla Chemicals


• Surpass Chemical Company


• Ultrapure HOCL


• AGC Chemicals


• Others

Key Industry Developments

• In January 2023, BASF launched its new hypochlorous acid product, HyPure, and this product is designed for use in water treatment processes and disinfection applications.


• In February 2023, Lenntech B.V. announced the expansion of its hypochlorous production capacity. This expansion of production capacity will meet the growing demand for hypochlorous acid in water treatment processes.