beta hydroxy acid

noun

variants or less commonly beta-hydroxy acid

ˌbā-tə-hī-ˈdräk-sē- 

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

With a base of nourishing ginseng water, the formula also contains 2% niacinamide to control oil production and fade dark spots, as well as 0.5% beta hydroxy acid ton gently resurface skin and slough away dead skin cells. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024

Key Ingredients: Ginseng root water, niacinamide, beta hydroxy acid Best For: Combination and breakout-prone skin How to Use: After cleansing, warm a few drops between the palms and pat it onto the face. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

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