alpha hydroxy acid

alpha hydroxy acid

noun

Definition of ALPHA HYDROXY ACID

: 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—called also AHA