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

Examples of beta hydroxy acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The secret sauce is a cocktail of four alpha hydroxy acids and one beta hydroxy acid (hence the name), which is infused into the first of the product’s two steps. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2025 There are three main types of exfoliating acids in chemical exfoliants: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Never mix vitamin C with retinoids, alpha/beta hydroxy acids, or benzoyl peroxide in the same application. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 29 July 2025 The set contains a watermelon toner and strawberry primer with beta hydroxy acid and a lip balm with hyaluronic acid, all ingredients dermatologists say tweens should avoid. Julia Ingram, CBS News, 22 May 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

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beta hydroxy acid was in 1895

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beta hydroxy acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta%20hydroxy%20acid. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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