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

In other words, the 12% alpha hydroxy acid concentration gradually exfoliates the buildup behind that telltale texture while attracting water into the skin. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Sep. 2026

Chemical exfoliants harness the powers of acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). — Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 14 Sep. 2026

That’s thanks to 10% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid known to improve skin texture and tone, plus glycerin, peptides, and pomegranate enzymes for additional skin-loving benefits. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

Some retinol products are combined with ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). — Amber Sayer, Health, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alpha hydroxy acid

• antacid
• placid

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