I don’t remember hypochlorous acid sprays being a popular skincare staple until Tower 28 launched its SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray in 2019. According to the brand, they spent eight years stabilizing hypochlorous acid for safe, effective daily at-home cosmetic use. Since then, the category has exploded, with countless brands introducing their own versions—including Medicube.
As a beauty editor, I get the opportunity to test hundreds of skincare products every year, from viral launches to under-the-radar finds. After finishing three bottles of the Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray, I thought I’d found my go-to hypochlorous acid mist. Then I tried Medicube’s version. After testing both, I wanted to compare their formulas, highlight their similarities and differences, and share which one I’d recommend.
What is Hypochlorous Acid?
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a molecule your body naturally produces as part of its immune response to help fight bacteria and support wound healing. Made up of hydrogen, oxygen, and chlorine, it’s become a popular skincare ingredient thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it’s commonly used to help calm redness, reduce acne-causing bacteria, soothe irritation, and support the skin barrier.
Hypochlorous acid sprays are designed to be misted onto clean skin throughout the day. They’re especially popular after workouts, during acne breakouts, or whenever your skin feels irritated or inflamed.
Medicube Hypochlorous Acid Spray Ingredient Breakdown:
- Hypochlorous Acid (150 ppm)
- Sodium Citrate
- Citric Acid
- Panthenol
- Allantoin
Medicube combines hypochlorous acid with two well-known soothing ingredients: panthenol (vitamin B5) and allantoin. Panthenol helps support the skin barrier and retain moisture, while allantoin helps calm irritation and soften the skin. Sodium citrate and citric acid help maintain the pH needed to keep hypochlorous acid stable and effective.
Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray Ingredient Breakdown:
- Water
- Sodium Chloride
- Hypochlorous Acid
Tower 28 takes a minimalist approach with just three ingredients. Sodium chloride acts as the solution that stabilizes the hypochlorous acid, while the absence of additional skincare ingredients makes the formula suitable for even highly reactive skin.
Similarities
Although the ingredient lists differ slightly, the two products have a lot in common.
- Both are designed to help calm redness and irritation.
- Both target acne-prone and stressed skin.
- Both are fragrance-free and suitable for daily use.
- Both can be sprayed throughout the day, even over makeup.
Differences
Where they start to differ is in the supporting ingredients and overall formulation philosophy.
Medicube adds skincare benefits
Medicube’s formula has panthenol and allantoin, two ingredients commonly found in products designed to support the skin barrier. These additions may provide an extra layer of comfort if your skin is irritated from acne treatments or over-exfoliation.
Tower 28 keeps things minimal
Tower 28 intentionally avoids extra ingredients. Its ultra-short ingredient list makes it appealing for people with eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or anyone whose skin reacts easily to skincare products.
Which One Should You Choose?
I’ve gone through three bottles of the Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray—it was a must-have in my routine until I tried the Medicube Hypochlorous Acid Spray. Both formulas helped reduce redness and prevent acne breakouts, but I found the Medicube spray felt a little more hydrating on my skin. You also get slightly more product with Medicube at 125 mL compared to 120 mL for Tower 28. Plus, Medicube retails for $25.99, while the Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray is $38, making it the more affordable option. So, although I still love the Tower 28 SOS Rescue Spray, I’d recommend the Medicube Hypochlorous Acid Spray because it delivers similar results, feels a bit more hydrating, and offers better value for the price.
Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Hypochlorous Acid Spray
medicube Hypochlorous Acid Power Soothing Spray
Disclosure: This product was gifted, but I am under no obligation to share a positive review. All opinions are entirely my own and based on my honest experience. This post also contains affiliate links; if you choose to purchase them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the content I create. Thank you for your support!