beta hydroxy acid
noun
variants
or less commonly beta-hydroxy acid
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
Consumer Reports Examples of beta hydroxy acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The formula contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which exfoliate the topmost layer of the skin, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which penetrate deeper to clear pores.
—Kat Romero, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2024
The formula contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), both exfoliating acids that buff away dead skin and enhance your glow from within.
—Venus Wong, refinery29.com, 18 June 2024
Incorporate gentle exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to help clear pores and promote healthy skin cell turnover.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 20 June 2024
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
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illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
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Kat Romero, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2024
The formula contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), both exfoliating acids that buff away dead skin and enhance your glow from within.
—Venus Wong, refinery29.com, 18 June 2024
Incorporate gentle exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) to help clear pores and promote healthy skin cell turnover.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 20 June 2024
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
Dictionary Entries Near beta hydroxy acid
Cite this Entry
“Beta hydroxy acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta%20hydroxy%20acid. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Paula Begoun, The Houston Chronicle Love words? Need even more definitions?
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