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Glite Dictionary
hydroxy acid

hydroxy acid

1 5.1
An acid that has one or more OH groups attached, like citric acid in fruit
  • noun
  • /haɪˈdrɒksi ˈæsɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ácido hidroxílico
  • Many dermatologists suggest using products that contain hydroxy acid to improve skin texture.
  • alpha-hydroxy acids
  • beta-hydroxy acid
  • hydroxy acid skin cream

Best for mature skin or sun damaged skin and salicylic or better hydroxy acids.

Examples

  • New studies indicate that hydroxy acid can effectively reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

  • But I always recommend doing maybe a treatment mask that has all the hydroxy acids in it just to start once a week at night.

  • OK, and both of these on the packaging is like hello, we contain AH as which is a alpha hydroxy acid acid.

  • I use a Paula's Choice Alpha hydroxy acid gel and I use the IMS light system.

  • So the resurfacing compound is your toner, your glycolic and multi hydroxy acids, your vitamins, AC and E, and your hyaluronic acid, right?

  • Creams with hydroxy acid are popular for their ability to exfoliate and rejuvenate dry skin.

Surface Forms

hydroxy acid singular
hydroxy acids plural

Morphology

hydroxy + acid

The meaning 'an acid containing hydroxyl groups' is directly compositional from 'hydroxy' (indicating the presence of hydroxyl groups) + 'acid' (a type of acidic substance), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE’s meaning. This modifier+noun pattern is common in scientific terminology and cross-linguistically predictable, making the expression transparent despite its technicality.

Etymology

Hydroxy acid comes from two parts: hydroxy, which points to an extra 'OH', a small water-like part, and acid, meaning a sour chemical. So a hydroxy acid is literally an 'acid with an OH part', and the name helps you remember the acid has that extra group.