alpha hydroxy acid
nounDefinition of alpha hydroxy acid
: 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
— called also AHA
Examples of alpha hydroxy acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bae encourages daily gentle exfoliation with a cleanser containing physical or chemical exfoliants or any topical product with alpha hydroxy acids. — Audrey Noble, Harper's BAZAAR, "How To Get Rid of Laugh Lines With Five Expert-Approved Tips," 25 June 2019 For those unfamiliar, AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acids and includes glycolic, lactic, and citric acids. — Devon Abelman, Allure, "Kyla Massie of K-Pop Group Pristin Shares Her Favorite Skin-Care Products on Twitter," 8 May 2019 The texture is lightweight and instantly feels cool on skin — just make sure to follow it up with a sunscreen as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) can increase photosensitivity. — Karina Hoshikawa, Allure, "Exclusive: M-61 Is Launching a Cleanser and Moisturizer for Adult Acne," 11 Mar. 2019 Beta hydroxy acids break down the bridges/bonds between the cells, while alpha hydroxy acids cause the cells themselves to detach/release. — Alexandra Tunell, Harper's BAZAAR, "#BeautySchool: What Your Skin Is Doing While You Sleep," 14 Dec. 2015 The alpha hydroxy acids in Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream ($12.99; walgreens.com) really minimize fine lines. — Cara Litke Sullivan, Redbook, "Dermatologists' Best Drugstore Buys," 17 Sep. 2013 Enter, Skinfix's Renewing Scrub and Renewing Cream, a one-two punch of skin-smoothing glycolic and lactic acids, plus other alpha hydroxy acids, to help minimize the appearance of rough, bumpy skin. — Karina Hoshikawa, Allure, "Skinfix's Renewing Body Scrub & Cream Combo Is the Most Effective Keratosis Pilaris Treatment I've Ever Used," 27 Aug. 2018 Gentle exfoliating acids, like glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids, are an effective way to break down the dead skin and oil clogging the pore, Lily Talakoub, M.D., dermatologist at McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center in Virginia, tells SELF. — Talia Abbas, SELF, "How to Get Rid of Blackheads on Your Nose, Chin and Forehead," 28 Dec. 2018 This unscented toner relies on alpha hydroxy acids to loosen up gunk that may be clogging your pores. — Sophie Wirt, Allure, "Peach & Lily Is Adding 4 New K-Beauty Products to Its Amazing Skin-Care Line," 15 Aug. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alpha hydroxy acid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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