The Basics On Bha (Beta Hydroxy Acid)
What is Bha (Beta Hydroxy Acid)?
BHA, or beta hydroxy acid, is a type of exfoliating acid that goes a deeper into the skin than AHA to unclog pores.
What are other names for Bha (Beta Hydroxy Acid)?
BETA HYDROXY ACIDS
What is Bha (Beta Hydroxy Acid) used for?
BHAs, have appeared as ingredients in many skin care products. It has been claimed that BHAs are effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving overall skin texture, without the occasional irritation associated with the use of AHAs.
How Bha (Beta Hydroxy Acid) is classified
Skin-Soothing, Exfoliant, Anti-Acne
Recommendations for using Bha (Beta Hydroxy Acid) during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Bha (Beta Hydroxy Acid) During Pregnancy
What we know about using Bha (Beta Hydroxy Acid) while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available.
Numerous studies have been published examining the role of glycolic acid, as a metabolite, in the developmental toxicity caused by ethylene glycol. 8,16-18,21,22,31,36 Glycolic acid is the proximate developmental toxicant for ethylene glycol. Very high doses and dose rates that saturate glycolic acid oxidation are required for developmental effects; in one oral study, the peak maternal blood concentration of glycolic acid associated with the lowest observed effect level (LOEL) for developDistrbuted for comment only — do not cite or quote mental toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats was 363 ¬µg/g, or 4.8 mM blood. However, the effects are species-specific. High doses of ethylene glycol administered via gavage were not teratogenic in rabbits; it appears that rate of maternal metabolism of ethylene glycol to glycolic acid is slower in rabbits than in rats. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed for use in developmental risk assessments to enable addressing inhalation, oral, dermal, intravenous, and subcutaneous routes of administration. The comparison of internal dose estimates in rats and humans over a broad range of exposures led to the conclusion that occupational and environmental exposures to ethylene glycol by humans are unlikely to yield blood levels of glycolic acid in humans that are associated with developmental toxicity in rats. The National Toxicology Program’s Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (NTP-CERHR) also found that, as long as ethylene glycol exposure does not result in saturation of enzymes that metabolize glycolic acid, there should be no developmental toxicity; in humans, saturation is estimated to occur at 125 mg/kg bw or greater.
General safety info about Bha (Beta Hydroxy Acid) from CIR
No report found.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Bha (Beta Hydroxy Acid)
Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, Paula’s Choice RESIST Advanced Pore Refining Treatment 4% BHA; The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Blemish + Blackhead Serum, Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner, Dermalogica FlashFoliant Foaming Exfoliator
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Kornhauser A, Coelho S, Hearing V. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142. [PubMed] 2. US F. Beta Hydroxy Acids. US Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/ingredients/ucm107943.htm. Published November 15, 2017. Accessed August 2018
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
