alpha hydroxy acid

noun

variants or alpha-hydroxy acid

ˌal-fə-hī-ˈdräk-sē- 

plural alpha hydroxy acids or alpha-hydroxy acids

: any of various carboxylic acids with a hydroxyl group attached at the alpha position

specifically : one (such as malic acid or lactic acid) that occurs in natural products (such as fruits, sugarcane, or yogurt) and is used in cosmetics for its exfoliating effect on the surface layer of skin

Although many salons offer alpha hydroxy acid peels, which minimize the appearance of facial lines, never have the treatment on your first visit to a salon.

—Kathleen Conway Engles

Alpha-hydroxy acids are applied as a cream or lotion. They reduce fine wrinkling and improve overall skin texture.

—Mayo Clinic Health Letter

—abbreviation AHA compare beta hydroxy acid

Examples of alpha hydroxy acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For instance, a product containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is essential for achieving even and clear skin. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 5 Apr. 2024

The core exfoliating benefits come from the pairing of retinol with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and a blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. —Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2024

It’s packed with good-for-the-skin ingredients that immediately hydrate and smooth even the driest skin — like alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which helps freshen texture, and nourishing shea butter. —Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024

Examples include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and alpha hydroxy acid. —Brittany Johnson, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2023

Other common ingredients for treating melasma (many of which can be used in combination) include retinoids, vitamin C, kojic acid, niacinamide, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, azelaic acid, and arbutin. —Taryn Brooke, Allure, 13 Nov. 2023

Oily-skin complexions are able to tolerate stronger alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), says Dr. Engelman. —Deanna Pai, Glamour, 4 Dec. 2023

Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum for Textured Skin veils skin in a delicate layer of retinol and alpha hydroxy acids, producing the dewiest glow this side of… your face. —Liana Schaffner, Allure, 21 Sep. 2023

Powered by 10% alpha hydroxy acid, this scrub combines chemical and physical exfoliation to gently slough away pesky red bumps, leaving you with smooth, non-irritated skin. —Sarah Han, Allure, 28 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

alpha hydroxy acid

noun

variants or alpha-hydroxy acid also alpha hydroxy or alpha-hydroxy

: any of various carboxylic acids with a hydroxyl group attached at the alpha position

specifically : one (as glycolic acid, malic acid, or lactic acid) that occurs in natural products (as fruits, sugarcane, or yogurt) and is used in cosmetics for its exfoliating effect on the surface layer of the skin

—abbreviation AHA compare beta hydroxy acid