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
The bill specifically would bar anyone under the age of 13 from buying any over-the counter cosmetic product that contains Vitamin A and its derivatives or an alpha hydroxy acid.
—Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 9 Apr. 2024
Additionally, for individuals with dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation, alpha hydroxy acid can help even out skin tone and texture.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 5 Apr. 2024
For instance, a product containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is essential for achieving even and clear skin.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 5 Apr. 2024
The core exfoliating benefits come from the pairing of retinol with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and a blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid.
—Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2024
It’s packed with good-for-the-skin ingredients that immediately hydrate and smooth even the driest skin — like alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which helps freshen texture, and nourishing shea butter.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024
Examples include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and alpha hydroxy acid.
—Brittany Johnson, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2023
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
Oily-skin complexions are able to tolerate stronger alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), says Dr. Engelman.
—Deanna Pai, Glamour, 4 Dec. 2023
Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 9 Apr. 2024
Additionally, for individuals with dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation, alpha hydroxy acid can help even out skin tone and texture.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 5 Apr. 2024
For instance, a product containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is essential for achieving even and clear skin.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 5 Apr. 2024
The core exfoliating benefits come from the pairing of retinol with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and a blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid.
—Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2024
It’s packed with good-for-the-skin ingredients that immediately hydrate and smooth even the driest skin — like alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which helps freshen texture, and nourishing shea butter.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024
Examples include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and alpha hydroxy acid.
—Brittany Johnson, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2023
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
Oily-skin complexions are able to tolerate stronger alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), says Dr. Engelman.
—Deanna Pai, Glamour, 4 Dec. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alpha hydroxy acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near 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 26 Apr. 2024.
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