BHA

1 of 2

noun

ˌbē-(ˌ)āch-ˈā 

plural BHAs

: a phenolic antioxidant C₁₁H₁₆O₂ used especially to preserve fats and oils in food

BHA

2 of 2

abbreviation or noun

plural BHAs

: beta hydroxy acid

… BHAs or a combination of AHAs and BHAs are best for the breakout-prone.

—Valerie Monroe

Examples of BHA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Abbreviation or noun

Best known for heroes like its Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner and Niacinamide Dew Drops, both priced at $36, Glow Recipe has been one of skin care’s buzziest indie brands nearly since its inception. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026

In this treatment, Miracle Broth and Miracle Broth Oil soothe the skin during the peeling process, carried out by a resurfacing mix of AHAs, BHA, and PHAs. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Olay Super Serum Body Wash for Normal Skin exfoliates with gentle beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) and leaves behind antioxidants (vitamins E and C, niacinamide) and collagen peptides to help skin stay smooth, nourished, and glowing. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026

How salicylic acid works on skin Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, or BHA, most often used as a chemical exfoliant. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

butylated hydroxyanisole

First Known Use

Noun

1948, in the meaning defined above

Abbreviation Or Noun

1995, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

BHA

1 of 2 noun

ˌbē-ˌāch-ˈā 

: a phenolic antioxidant C₁₁H₁₆O₂ used especially to preserve fats and oils in food

called also butylated hydroxyanisole

BHA

2 of 2 abbreviation or noun

: beta hydroxy acid