Hydroxy Acids
Beta hydroxy acid or β-hydroxy acid (BHA) is an organic compound that consists of a carboxylic acid group and hydroxyl group separated by two carbon atoms.
Beta hydroxy acid or β-hydroxy acid (BHA) is an organic compound that consists of a carboxylic acid group and hydroxyl group separated by two carbon atoms.
Alpha hydroxy acid or α-Hydroxy (AHAs), is an organic compound that consists of a carboxylic acid group substituted with a hydroxyl group on the adjacent carbon.
The main difference between alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids is their lipid (oil) solubility. Alpha hydroxy acid is water soluble.
Beta hydroxy acid is lipid (oil) soluble.
This means that beta hydroxy acid can penetrate pores that contain sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells built up inside the pore.
Because of this difference in properties, beta hydroxy acid is better used on oily skin with blackheads and whiteheads.
Alpha hydroxy acids are better used on thickened, sun-damaged skin where breakouts are not a problem.
Currently in cosmetics, Salicylic acid is the only beta-hydroxy acid used.
