beta hydroxy acid
noun
variants
or less commonly beta-hydroxy acid
plural beta hydroxy acids also beta-hydroxy acids
: any of various carboxylic acids with a hydroxyl group attached at the beta position
especially
: salicylic acid
AHAs have recently been joined by beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), used by the skin-care industry to refer to salicylic acid, which dermatologists have long used as an astringent, antiseptic, and skin-slougher. —
Consumer Reports
—abbreviation BHA
compare alpha hydroxy acid
Consumer Reports 
Examples of beta hydroxy acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Other common ingredients for treating melasma (many of which can be used in combination) include retinoids, vitamin C, kojic acid, niacinamide, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, azelaic acid, and arbutin.
—Taryn Brooke, Allure, 13 Nov. 2023
Common ingredients, including alpha- and beta hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and salicylic acid, are used as peeling agents.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 18 Aug. 2023
As for what to completely avoid, Dr. Idriss recommends steering clear of anything with fragrance and anything formulated with an exfoliating acid, such as alpha hydroxy (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
—Audrey Noble, Allure, 15 Aug. 2023
Chemical exfoliants contain acids such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells and the surface of your skin.
—Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2023
Note that these should not be confused with beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid.
—Tatiana Velasco, Good Housekeeping, 27 July 2023
Professional Treatments Chemical peels contain certain acids like salicylic acid and beta hydroxy acid (BHA)s that help unclog pores and remove blackheads from the surface of the skin.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2023
People with oiler or acne-prone skin should look for toners with BHA (beta hydroxy acids) or salicylic acids to help exfoliate their skin and unclog pores.
—Dhara Patel, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2023
Chemical peels contain certain acids like salicylic acid and beta hydroxy acid (BHA)s that help unclog pores and remove blackheads from the surface of the skin.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2023
See More
Taryn Brooke, Allure, 13 Nov. 2023
Common ingredients, including alpha- and beta hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and salicylic acid, are used as peeling agents.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 18 Aug. 2023
As for what to completely avoid, Dr. Idriss recommends steering clear of anything with fragrance and anything formulated with an exfoliating acid, such as alpha hydroxy (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).
—Audrey Noble, Allure, 15 Aug. 2023
Chemical exfoliants contain acids such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta hydroxy acid (BHA) to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells and the surface of your skin.
—Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2023
Note that these should not be confused with beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid.
—Tatiana Velasco, Good Housekeeping, 27 July 2023
Professional Treatments Chemical peels contain certain acids like salicylic acid and beta hydroxy acid (BHA)s that help unclog pores and remove blackheads from the surface of the skin.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2023
People with oiler or acne-prone skin should look for toners with BHA (beta hydroxy acids) or salicylic acids to help exfoliate their skin and unclog pores.
—Dhara Patel, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2023
Chemical peels contain certain acids like salicylic acid and beta hydroxy acid (BHA)s that help unclog pores and remove blackheads from the surface of the skin.
—Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beta hydroxy acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1895, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of beta hydroxy acid was
in 1895
Dictionary Entries Near beta hydroxy acid
Cite this Entry
“Beta hydroxy acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta%20hydroxy%20acid. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Medical Definition
beta hydroxy acid
noun
variants
also beta-hydroxy acid
or beta hydroxy
or beta-hydroxy
: any of various carboxylic acids with a hydroxyl group attached at the beta position
especially
: salicylic acid
A better fix is to exfoliate with a high-concentration beta hydroxy acid product designed for warts. —Paula Begoun, The Houston Chronicle
—abbreviation BHA
compare alpha hydroxy acid
Paula Begoun, The Houston Chronicle Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share