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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant Want more from your toner? Sarah Felbin, SELF, 9 Oct. 2024 Courtesy of brand Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant $35 Amazon $14 Sephora Courtesy of brand Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Clay Mask with Salicylic Acid $44 Amazon Wash with a gentle cleanser. Deanna Pai, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2024 Find it on Amazon Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Every skincare routine needs a liquid exfoliant, and this one from Paula’s Choice comes with more than 79,000 positive four- and five-star reviews. Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 4 July 2024 This shampoo contains 3% salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that removes the dead cells that build up on the surface of the skin, causing itchy and uncomfortable patches, says Dr. Zeichner. April Benshosan, Verywell Health, 9 May 2024 The elixir pairs peptides, AHA/BHA (specifically, glycolic, mandelic, lactic, and phytic acid), bioferments, shea butter, and papain into a silky exfoliant that smooths skin texture, conditions flaky skin, and soothes irritation. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 29 Feb. 2024 Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Toner contains 2% salicylic acid, as well as naturally exfoliating papaya enzymes to kick sebum to the curb without causing irritation. Kayla Blanton, Verywell Health, 6 Dec. 2023 Formulated with pumice and jojoba esters, and boosted AHA/BHA/PHA chemical exfoliants, the scrub grips, polishes and smooths skin. Angela Lei, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 This Limited-Edition 2023 Best of the Best Kit features five of the brand's superstar products, including the Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser, 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, and C15 Super Booster. Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 21 Nov. 2023
Abbreviation or noun
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant Want more from your toner? Sarah Felbin, SELF, 9 Oct. 2024 Courtesy of brand Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant $35 Amazon $14 Sephora Courtesy of brand Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Clay Mask with Salicylic Acid $44 Amazon Wash with a gentle cleanser. Deanna Pai, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2024 Find it on Amazon Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Every skincare routine needs a liquid exfoliant, and this one from Paula’s Choice comes with more than 79,000 positive four- and five-star reviews. Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 4 July 2024 This shampoo contains 3% salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that removes the dead cells that build up on the surface of the skin, causing itchy and uncomfortable patches, says Dr. Zeichner. April Benshosan, Verywell Health, 9 May 2024 The Case Against Raffle Tags Many state wildlife agencies offer their own version of the BHA’s raffle. Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2024 The elixir pairs peptides, AHA/BHA (specifically, glycolic, mandelic, lactic, and phytic acid), bioferments, shea butter, and papain into a silky exfoliant that smooths skin texture, conditions flaky skin, and soothes irritation. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 29 Feb. 2024 Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Toner contains 2% salicylic acid, as well as naturally exfoliating papaya enzymes to kick sebum to the curb without causing irritation. Kayla Blanton, Verywell Health, 6 Dec. 2023 Exfoliant type: Chemical Size: 1 oz. 10/22 Best for Uneven Skin Texture: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser Glamour commerce writer Andrea Navarro considers this exfoliating face wash her go-to skin care product for tackling rough texture. Deanna Pai, Glamour, 4 Dec. 2023

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of BHA was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near BHA

Cite this Entry

“BHA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/BHA. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

BHA

1 of 2 noun
: a phenolic antioxidant C11H16O2 used especially to preserve fats and oils in food

called also butylated hydroxyanisole

BHA

2 of 2 abbreviation or noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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