An alpha hydroxy acid is a carboxylic acid having a hydroxyl group substituted to the adjacent carbon (ex. glycolic acid -OHCH2COOH.

In organic chemistry, an alpha-hydroxy acid is a hydroxy acid, of general formula RCH(OH)COOH, whose primary use is in the cosmetic industry, supposedly possessing the property of reducing wrinkles.

Alpha hydroxy acids, also known as AHAs, are found in some cosmetics. The claim for alpha hydroxy acids is that they reduce wrinkles and improve the look and feel of one's skin.

If you need to ask, you probably can't.

"Alpha hydroxy" is a marketing term that refers to a carboxylic acid which has a hydroxyl group on the carbon adjacent to the acidic carbon.

If you can get your hands on some alpha hydroxy acids, you could dissolve them and make an "alpha-hydroxy" solution. But do you really want to put something you mixed up at home using a compound with the term "acid" in it on your face? There's a REASON the marketing term leaves out the "acid" part.

Some fairly common and relatively innocuous alpha hydroxy acids are citric acid and lactic acid, if you're bound and determined to do this. In fact, lemon juice is ALREADY an alpha hydroxy solution; if you want something you can make at home.

Alpha hydroxy acid is prevalent in the industry of cosmetic surgery. It is used primarily in chemical peels that are designed to help combat the effects of wrinkles and aging.