Saline Isn’t the Only Star: Let’s Talk About Hypochlorous Acid for Piercing Aftercare

We know we posted before about the importance of using the right type of saline for piercing aftercare—and that info still stands! (If you missed it, go check out our post on why wound wash saline is the only saline you should be using.)

But what if your piercing isn’t healing the way it should?What if you’re dealing with excessive redness, irritation, or a stubborn bump that just won’t go away?

Let us introduce you to something that’s been making waves in the professional piercing world: hypochlorous acid.

💧 What Is Hypochlorous Acid?

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a naturally occurring substance produced by your body’s white blood cells to fight off bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Scientists figured out how to replicate it in a stable form, making it safe and effective for topical use—especially on wounds and irritated skin.

It’s been used in the medical field for years, and now it's gaining popularity for piercing aftercare, especially in cases where healing has been difficult or slow.

🧬 Why It Works (Even When Saline Isn’t Enough)

While sterile saline is perfect for routine aftercare—keeping your piercing clean and gently rinsed—hypochlorous acid brings more to the table when you need extra help.

Here’s why it’s so effective:

It’s especially helpful when you’ve done everything right—cleaned with saline, avoided touching or sleeping on it—and the piercing still isn’t happy.

⚠️ When to Use Hypochlorous Acid

Think of hypochlorous acid as your backup tool, not your daily go-to (unless instructed by your piercer). Here at Essential Ink Body Art, we still recommend sterile saline wound wash as your primary aftercare product—but if you’re experiencing:

…then hypochlorous acid might be exactly what your piercing needs.

🧴 Where to Find It

Look for products that specifically list hypochlorous acid as the active ingredient. Some of the most trusted brands in the piercing world include:

As always, we can help you find the right one—and let you know if it’s time to add this step to your aftercare.

Final Thoughts from Essential Ink

Healing a piercing is rarely one-size-fits-all. While sterile saline is still the gold standard for most people, we’re always keeping up with the latest, safest tools to help you heal beautifully. Hypochlorous acid isn’t a trend—it’s science-backed, skin-safe, and piercer-approved when you need a little extra support.

Not sure if it’s right for you? Come in and show us what’s going on. We’re here to help you heal, not just pierce.

Stay safe, stay clean, and don’t hesitate to reach out.— Your team at Essential Ink Body Art