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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Noting: The alpha hydroxy acid in this cream may cause sun sensitivity. —Lindsay Modglin, Health, 13 Feb. 2023

The formula also contains lactic acid, another alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates, as well as licorice root extract. —Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022

It's made with only the best ingredients, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, alpha hydroxy acid, flaxseed and grape seed oil, and vitamins A, D, and E. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 19 Oct. 2022

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that brightens and smooths the skin via chemical exfoliation. —Gabi Thorne, Allure, 23 Sep. 2022

Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds. —Devon Abelman, Allure, 30 Mar. 2022

Products to try: Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the skin, helping to get rid of the dead skin cells that can clog pores. —Sarah Jacoby, SELF, 27 Dec. 2021

For those unfamiliar, lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (or AHA) that boosts cell turnover and sweeps away pore-clogging debris to reveal brighter, smoother skin. —Sarah Han, Allure, 28 July 2021

On one night, use anti-aging solutions such as retinoids, alpha hydroxy acid or glycolic acid -- whether prescription or over-the-counter -- then skip a night or two, depending on the dryness of your skin. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 5 June 2021

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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