alpha hydroxy acid

noun

variants or alpha-hydroxy acid

ˌal-fə-hī-ˈdräk-sē- 

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

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

Examples of alpha hydroxy acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This liquid exfoliant contains a blend of fruit alpha hydroxy acids and niacinamide, which gently resurfaces skin to reveal a smoother complexion and less noticeable pores. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 30 Nov. 2024

This liquid exfoliant contains a blend of fruit alpha hydroxy acids and niacinamide that gently resurface the skin to reveal a smoother complexion and minimized pores. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 25 Nov. 2024

Suited for sensitive skin, Ren’s gel cream steers clear of exfoliating agents, such as alpha hydroxy acids, that could cause irritation. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024

One of Pavitt’s hero products, Mandelic Clearing Serum, contains mandelic acid, a gentle alpha hydroxy acid that can treat acne. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

alpha hydroxy acid

noun

variants or alpha-hydroxy acid also alpha hydroxy or alpha-hydroxy

: any of various carboxylic acids with a hydroxyl group attached at the alpha position

specifically : one (as glycolic acid, malic acid, or lactic acid) that occurs in natural products (as fruits, sugarcane, or yogurt) and is used in cosmetics for its exfoliating effect on the surface layer of the skin

—abbreviation AHA compare beta hydroxy acid