alpha hydroxy acid
noun
variants
or alpha-hydroxy acid
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
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
Mayo Clinic Health Letter Examples of alpha hydroxy acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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
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
See all Example Sentences for alpha hydroxy acid 
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.
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
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
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
See all Example Sentences for alpha hydroxy acid
Dictionary Entries Near alpha hydroxy acid
Cite this Entry
“Alpha hydroxy acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alpha%20hydroxy%20acid. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share