plural BHAs
: a phenolic antioxidant C11H16O2 used especially to preserve fats and oils in food

BHA

2 of 2

abbreviation or noun

plural BHAs
: beta hydroxy acid
BHAs or a combination of AHAs and BHAs are best for the breakout-prone.Valerie Monroe

Examples of BHA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Olay Super Serum Body Wash for Normal Skin Olay Super Serum Body Wash is formulated with ingredients such as vitamin E, collagen peptide, vitamin C, niacinamide, and BHA, which combine to create a powerful formula that hydrates, firms, brightens, evens, and smooths the skin. Claire West, Parents, 27 Feb. 2026 That’s a doozy to pack into a single tube, and it’s done so with alpha-hydroxy (AHA) and beta-hydroxy (BHA) acids (the aforementioned chemical exfoliants), the brand’s proprietary TruFirm technology, glycerin, and niacinamide. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 22 Feb. 2026 Unlike some other exfoliating toner pads, their AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pads are designed for daily use, thanks to their low-dose blend of acids that gently smooth and brighten without overwhelming skin. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Feb. 2026 One-quarter said BHA had systems, policies and practices that enable everyone to thrive. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026 Health advocates have long pushed for tighter scrutiny of BHA, which the FDA flagged for reassessment during its overhaul of its post-market chemical review process. Siddhi Mahatole, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026 Health advocacy groups such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest have long urged consumers to avoid products containing BHA because some studies have indicated that the chemical causes cancer in rats, mice and hamsters. CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 Still, Nestle applauded the FDA’s move to launch a new safety review of BHA. Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026 Abbas recommends Skin Better Science Refining Foam Cleanser, which combines citric acid with gentle AHA lactic acid and BHA salicylic acid. Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 14 Jan. 2026
Abbreviation or noun
Olay Super Serum Body Wash for Normal Skin Olay Super Serum Body Wash is formulated with ingredients such as vitamin E, collagen peptide, vitamin C, niacinamide, and BHA, which combine to create a powerful formula that hydrates, firms, brightens, evens, and smooths the skin. Claire West, Parents, 27 Feb. 2026 That’s a doozy to pack into a single tube, and it’s done so with alpha-hydroxy (AHA) and beta-hydroxy (BHA) acids (the aforementioned chemical exfoliants), the brand’s proprietary TruFirm technology, glycerin, and niacinamide. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 22 Feb. 2026 Unlike some other exfoliating toner pads, their AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pads are designed for daily use, thanks to their low-dose blend of acids that gently smooth and brighten without overwhelming skin. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Feb. 2026 One-quarter said BHA had systems, policies and practices that enable everyone to thrive. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026 Health advocates have long pushed for tighter scrutiny of BHA, which the FDA flagged for reassessment during its overhaul of its post-market chemical review process. Siddhi Mahatole, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026 Health advocacy groups such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest have long urged consumers to avoid products containing BHA because some studies have indicated that the chemical causes cancer in rats, mice and hamsters. CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 Still, Nestle applauded the FDA’s move to launch a new safety review of BHA. Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026 Abbas recommends Skin Better Science Refining Foam Cleanser, which combines citric acid with gentle AHA lactic acid and BHA salicylic acid. Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 14 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

butylated hydroxyanisole

First Known Use

Noun

1948, in the meaning defined above

Abbreviation Or Noun

1995, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of BHA was in 1948

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“BHA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/BHA. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

BHA

1 of 2 noun
: a phenolic antioxidant C11H16O2 used especially to preserve fats and oils in food

called also butylated hydroxyanisole

BHA

2 of 2 abbreviation or noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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