I don't experience breakouts as severely as I used to, but every now and then, all of the stress I've been holding in eventually finds its way out — through my face.
The latest occurrence? A terrible breakout right before a big trip I had planned over the summer. They were the kind of pimples that hurt to the touch and were not going to go down without a fight. I can typically turn to pimple patches for extra assistance, but pimple patches alone weren't cutting it so close to my departure date.
It was pure luck that my team received Magic Molecule samples the same week of my breakout, and I didn't hesitate to grab a bottle.
The star ingredient in the Magic Molecule spray, hypochlorous acid, went viral last year as a solution for a myriad of skin care concerns, including acne. The acid is an inorganic compound with antimicrobial properties, according to Dr. Daniel Friedmann, a dermatologist Shop TODAY previously spoke with. This means that it can help reduce bacteria on the skin and decrease breakouts.
The brand says hypochlorous acid is "naturally produced by our white blood cells for healing," but they were able to patent a method for reproducing the compound outside of the body in a formula that is shelf-stable for up to 24 months. I used the 2-ounce bottle, which is shelf-stable for 18 months and should last me about 350 sprays, per the brand.
How I Tried Magic Molecule Daily Skin Spray
When my breakout hit over the summer, it was hot, humid, and I was working out seven days a week. Factor that in with the stress I was experiencing, and it was no wonder my skin looked like the first photo:
I kept up with my daily skin care routine and started using Magic Molecule four times a day (the brand recommends anywhere between five to seven sprays per day). I'd spritz it all over my face twice during the work day, and then before I went to the gym, and then again after my workout.
I would also apply Magic Molecule to my chest and shoulders after my workouts to target body acne flare-ups I was experiencing. It took longer to see results on my body, but I still could see results with consistent use.
My Experience
In just one day, the progress on my face was visible, which was incredibly encouraging. My skin was getting dry, which I expected since I was using every astringent known to man (toner, acne spot treatments and tea tree oil), in addition to the spray. On Day 3, I cried; I truly couldn’t believe how quickly my skin was recovering.
Any redness around my acne spots had decreased significantly, scars were starting to fade, and overall, my skin had more of a "glow" to it. I got so excited by the results that I was compelled to share them with my coworkers, which is the whole reason behind why I am writing this article.
What to Consider
It has a refreshing feel, similar to that of a setting spray for makeup, so I loved using it on hot summer days. It also doesn’t take long to dry, which is a plus.
Some reviewers mention that it has a “pool water” smell to it, and they’re not wrong. However, it only lasts for a matter of seconds, so I didn’t mind it much. It just made me nostalgic for pool days.
I haven't used it for any other skin care dilemmas, but the brand behind Magic Molecule says it can also be used on bug bites, sunburn, rashes and more to soothe irritation. According to their site, the product is also accepted by the National Eczema Association.
This was truly one of those things I had to try and believe — and I haven't stopped talking about it since. From the "magic" I experienced, I would believe that it could heal just about anything.
If you're curious, I've also included my staple skin care products below, which have typically helped keep my breakouts at a minimum for the last few years.
More Editor-Loved Skin Care to Shop
I tried this exfoliant as part of testing for Shop TODAY's first-ever Beauty Awards in 2023, and I never looked back. My skin loves the way it feels, and it's the first thing I apply after a shower.
Typically, when I am battling a breakout, I will slather this stuff on as much as possible. It works really well as a spot treatment if you're in a pinch. That being said, it is drying, so you'll need to slather on some moisturizer.
I found this moisturizer at the recommendation of a Sephora employee. I wanted a light, water-based moisturizer for summer that wouldn't break the bank, and this fit the bill.
I tried this serum in the fall because my skin was getting incredibly dry as the temperatures dropped, and it has truly helped to hydrate my skin. I think it really helps combat any dryness associated with some of the drying products I use, without negating their effects.
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The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Jillian Ortiz is the editorial operations manager at Shop TODAY. She has been with the team for five years, covering a wide range of topics, including product reviews, sale events and Awards.
