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 limited-edition gift box contains three of the brand's most powerful formulas, including its hero Resurfacing Serum, which brightens and smoothes skin with a smart blend of vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and mandelic), and retinol. —Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 27 Sep. 2024

This is an alpha hydroxy acid (or AHA) often found in exfoliating products. —Venus Wong, refinery29.com, 13 Sep. 2024

Makeup scion Bobbi Brown swears by this formula, which is packed with retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and a peeling peptide, for preparing her skin for spring and summer after a long winter. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2024

Editor's tip: This resurfacing formula contains AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), which increases your skin's sensitivity to UV rays and sunburning. —Sarah Han, Allure, 16 Aug. 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