Cosmetics education only
How to read an HOCl mist label
Marketing text and the label on the pack can say different things. This page shows what to look for on the label itself, so you can compare products yourself. It describes what labels show; it does not rate any product, and we haven't tested any.
The ingredient list
In the EU, a cosmetic's ingredient list is preceded by the word “ingredients” and runs in descending order of weight at the time the ingredients are added. Ingredients under 1 % may follow in any order. Perfume is listed as “parfum” or “aroma”. If the list is on a leaflet or tag instead of the pack, a “hand and book” symbol points you to it.
The official ingredient name for HOCl is HYPOCHLOROUS ACID. A short list on a product listing can look like this: Aqua, Sodium Chloride, Hypochlorous Acid. That is water, salt and hypochlorous acid: three ingredients.
Some mists have a longer list. Fragrance (parfum), plant extracts or oils, or preservatives change what you are buying, so read the full list. A short list is easier to compare; a longer one is not wrong, just different. Some packs and listings also state a concentration in % or ppm. This guide does not compare concentrations.
Product type wording and other marks
A mist sold as a cosmetic is described with words such as “cosmetic”, “toner” or “face mist”, and the pack states its function unless that is clear from how it is presented.
The EU labelling rules for cosmetics do not include a CE mark. If a mist's pack shows a CE mark with a four-digit number, a registration or authorisation number, or calls itself something other than a cosmetic, it is sold under different rules. This guide only covers mists sold as cosmetics; ask a pharmacist about anything else.
Dates, batch and the open-jar symbol
- Date of minimum durability: shown after an hourglass symbol, or the words “best used before the end of”. It can be left off if the product lasts more than 30 months.
- Period after opening: an open-jar symbol followed by a number of months or years, for example “12M”. It tells you how many months the product is meant to be used for once opened.
- Batch number: a batch number or reference that identifies the product.
- Precautions for use: read these before the first use, then patch-test as on the routine page.
- Responsible person: the pack shows a name and address, and the country of origin for imported products.
Size and price per 100 ml
The nominal content (for example 125 ml) is printed on the pack, except on packs under 5 ml. Dividing the price by the size lets you compare different bottle sizes.
Example only — made-up numbers, not a real product price. A 125 ml bottle costs €20.00. Price per 100 ml = 20 ÷ 125 × 100 = €16.00 per 100 ml.
Label checklist
Who to ask
If a label is unclear, or you have a skin or health concern, ask a pharmacist. This site can't answer it for you.
Label rules above are summarised from Article 19 and Annex VII of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (article 19, annex VII), checked 19 October 2026.