The abbreviation BHA stands for which acid?

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Multiple Choice

The abbreviation BHA stands for which acid?

Understanding the acid family helps here: BHA means beta-hydroxy acid. The hydroxyl group in a beta-hydroxy acid sits on the beta carbon (two carbons away from the carboxyl group), which makes it more lipophilic and able to penetrate oily skin and inside hair follicles. Salicylic acid is the classic example of a beta-hydroxy acid, so it’s the correct match. The other acids listed—mandelic, glycolic, and lactic—are alpha-hydroxy acids, with the hydroxyl group on the alpha carbon, making them more water-soluble and less focused on follicular penetration.

Understanding the acid family helps here: BHA means beta-hydroxy acid. The hydroxyl group in a beta-hydroxy acid sits on the beta carbon (two carbons away from the carboxyl group), which makes it more lipophilic and able to penetrate oily skin and inside hair follicles. Salicylic acid is the classic example of a beta-hydroxy acid, so it’s the correct match. The other acids listed—mandelic, glycolic, and lactic—are alpha-hydroxy acids, with the hydroxyl group on the alpha carbon, making them more water-soluble and less focused on follicular penetration.

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