beta hydroxy acid

noun

variants or less commonly beta-hydroxy acid
ˌbā-tə-hī-ˈdräk-sē- How to pronounce beta hydroxy acid (audio)
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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for beta hydroxy acid

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Browse Nearby Words

beta-glucan
beta hydroxy acid
betaine
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Cite this Entry

“Beta hydroxy acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta%20hydroxy%20acid. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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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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