plural BHAs
: a phenolic antioxidant C11H16O2 used especially to preserve fats and oils in food

BHA

2 of 2

abbreviation or noun

plural BHAs
: beta hydroxy acid
BHAs or a combination of AHAs and BHAs are best for the breakout-prone.Valerie Monroe

Examples of BHA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
One-quarter said BHA had systems, policies and practices that enable everyone to thrive. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026 Health advocates have long pushed for tighter scrutiny of BHA, which the FDA flagged for reassessment during its overhaul of its post-market chemical review process. Siddhi Mahatole, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026 Health advocacy groups such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest have long urged consumers to avoid products containing BHA because some studies have indicated that the chemical causes cancer in rats, mice and hamsters. CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 Still, Nestle applauded the FDA’s move to launch a new safety review of BHA. Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026 Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) lauded for its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, has long been the MVP of breakout control, but today’s best salicylic acid serums go well beyond zapping zits. Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026 The combination of alpha hydroxy (AHA), beta hydroxy (BHA), and polyhydroxy (PHA) acids create a slight tingling sensation that reveals smaller pores and smoother texture. Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 26 Jan. 2026 Abbas recommends Skin Better Science Refining Foam Cleanser, which combines citric acid with gentle AHA lactic acid and BHA salicylic acid. Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 14 Jan. 2026 Gandhi could not answer specifically whether all BHA grantees were providing services to people who need it, but said DHS has the authority to cancel any contracts suspected of being fraudulent. Ellie Roth, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
Abbreviation or noun
One-quarter said BHA had systems, policies and practices that enable everyone to thrive. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026 Health advocates have long pushed for tighter scrutiny of BHA, which the FDA flagged for reassessment during its overhaul of its post-market chemical review process. Siddhi Mahatole, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026 Health advocacy groups such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest have long urged consumers to avoid products containing BHA because some studies have indicated that the chemical causes cancer in rats, mice and hamsters. CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026 Still, Nestle applauded the FDA’s move to launch a new safety review of BHA. Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026 Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) lauded for its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties, has long been the MVP of breakout control, but today’s best salicylic acid serums go well beyond zapping zits. Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026 The combination of alpha hydroxy (AHA), beta hydroxy (BHA), and polyhydroxy (PHA) acids create a slight tingling sensation that reveals smaller pores and smoother texture. Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 26 Jan. 2026 Abbas recommends Skin Better Science Refining Foam Cleanser, which combines citric acid with gentle AHA lactic acid and BHA salicylic acid. Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 14 Jan. 2026 Gandhi could not answer specifically whether all BHA grantees were providing services to people who need it, but said DHS has the authority to cancel any contracts suspected of being fraudulent. Ellie Roth, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

butylated hydroxyanisole

First Known Use

Noun

1948, in the meaning defined above

Abbreviation Or Noun

1995, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of BHA was in 1948

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“BHA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/BHA. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

BHA

1 of 2 noun
: a phenolic antioxidant C11H16O2 used especially to preserve fats and oils in food

called also butylated hydroxyanisole

BHA

2 of 2 abbreviation or noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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