alpha hydroxy acid
noun
variants
or alpha-hydroxy acid
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
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
Mayo Clinic Health Letter Examples of alpha hydroxy acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
SkinMedica’s Even & Correct Brightening Treatment Pads, for example, contain alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which gently exfoliates the skin’s surface to help even out skin tone.
—Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
Chemical exfoliation uses acids, such as alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids, to gently dissolve dead skin cells.
—William Truswell, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
Products formulated with active ingredients such as vitamin A (including retinol and retinoids), vitamin C, and alpha hydroxy acids [AHAs]—ingredients frequently used to address or prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and other aging concerns—would be restricted.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 19 Feb. 2025
Though the cream certainly offers skin benefits (botanical extracts, hyaluronic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids are also featured), the entire experience is a meditative one.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for alpha hydroxy acid
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Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
Chemical exfoliation uses acids, such as alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids, to gently dissolve dead skin cells.
—William Truswell, Verywell Health, 22 Jan. 2025
Products formulated with active ingredients such as vitamin A (including retinol and retinoids), vitamin C, and alpha hydroxy acids [AHAs]—ingredients frequently used to address or prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and other aging concerns—would be restricted.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 19 Feb. 2025
Though the cream certainly offers skin benefits (botanical extracts, hyaluronic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids are also featured), the entire experience is a meditative one.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for alpha hydroxy acid
Cite this Entry
“Alpha hydroxy acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpha%20hydroxy%20acid. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
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