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
Sixty percent of the formula is pure propolis extract, which delivers moisture and clarity, while the niacinamide and beta hydroxy acid help control oil, clear pores, and lightly resurface skin.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
Super Serum Body Wash contains a concentrated serum with beta hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate, plus collagen peptide, niacinamide and vitamins C and E. The result: brighter, hydrated, firmer, smoother and more even skin from the neck down.
—Jackie Fields, People.com, 1 Feb. 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
Salicylic acid — a beta hydroxy acid or BHA, which gently breaks apart dirt, oil and dead skin cells — is making its way into haircare, in particular, pre-shampoo treatments.
—Photographed By Kristine Romano., refinery29.com, 6 Feb. 2024
Avoid products containing potent alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and retinol, Galamgam said.
—Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
The formula pairs beta hydroxy acid (BHA) with zinc PCA and includes niacinamide, which helps control oil production and soothe angry skin, reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024
The formula contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which exfoliate the topmost layer of the skin, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which penetrate deeper to clear pores.
—Kat Romero, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2024
The formula contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), both exfoliating acids that buff away dead skin and enhance your glow from within.
—Venus Wong, refinery29.com, 18 June 2024
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.
Deanna Pai, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
Super Serum Body Wash contains a concentrated serum with beta hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate, plus collagen peptide, niacinamide and vitamins C and E. The result: brighter, hydrated, firmer, smoother and more even skin from the neck down.
—Jackie Fields, People.com, 1 Feb. 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
Salicylic acid — a beta hydroxy acid or BHA, which gently breaks apart dirt, oil and dead skin cells — is making its way into haircare, in particular, pre-shampoo treatments.
—Photographed By Kristine Romano., refinery29.com, 6 Feb. 2024
Avoid products containing potent alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and retinol, Galamgam said.
—Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
The formula pairs beta hydroxy acid (BHA) with zinc PCA and includes niacinamide, which helps control oil production and soothe angry skin, reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024
The formula contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which exfoliate the topmost layer of the skin, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which penetrate deeper to clear pores.
—Kat Romero, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2024
The formula contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), both exfoliating acids that buff away dead skin and enhance your glow from within.
—Venus Wong, refinery29.com, 18 June 2024
Cite this Entry
“Beta hydroxy acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta%20hydroxy%20acid. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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