BHA

1 of 2

noun

ˌbē-(ˌ)āch-ˈā 

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

Abbreviation or noun

The star ingredient, 60% propolis extract, gives it a honey-like consistency add moisture, while niacinamide and BHA reduce excess sebum. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026

The formula leaves a clean slate with clarifying acids— a BHA (salicylic acid) and an AHA (malic acid)—to clear away any build up on the scalp, and strengthens with omega-9 (oleic acid) to support healthier waves from root-to-tip. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026

The best ones contained physical exfoliants as well as chemical exfoliants (like AHA, BHA, or PHA) to slough away dead skin cells, and also featured nourishing ingredients to keep the skin hydrated (like jojoba oil, squalane, and shea butter). — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026

The Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Exfoliant is one of the most viral face exfoliators out there—and for good reason. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 1 Sep. 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

Medical Definition

BHA

1 of 2 noun

ˌbē-ˌāch-ˈā 

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

called also butylated hydroxyanisole

BHA

2 of 2 abbreviation or noun

: beta hydroxy acid