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
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
This Allure Best of Beauty winner contains a powerful blend of skin cell turnover-inducing retinol (encapsulated for maximum freshness/delivery), fine line-smoothing alpha hydroxy acids (or AHAs, specifically lactic acid), and hydrating glycerin to minimize irritation.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 2 Aug. 2024
This exfoliating scrub contains alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic), which work together to penetrate and unclog pores deeply.
—Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for alpha hydroxy acid 
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
This Allure Best of Beauty winner contains a powerful blend of skin cell turnover-inducing retinol (encapsulated for maximum freshness/delivery), fine line-smoothing alpha hydroxy acids (or AHAs, specifically lactic acid), and hydrating glycerin to minimize irritation.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 2 Aug. 2024
This exfoliating scrub contains alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic), which work together to penetrate and unclog pores deeply.
—Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for alpha hydroxy acid
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alpha hydroxy acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 12 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share