beta hydroxy acid
noun
variants:
also beta hydroxy
Medical Definition of beta hydroxy acid
: any of various carboxylic acids with a hydroxyl group attached at the beta position
specifically
: salicylic acid
A better fix is to exfoliate with a high-concentration beta hydroxy acid product designed for warts. — Paula Begoun, The Houston Chronicle, 21 Oct. 1999
—abbreviation BHA