U. S. Food and Drug Administration
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Office of Cosmetics and Colors

Information about AHAs and BHAs

Information from the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition and FDA

• Draft Guidance for Industry: Labeling for Topically Applied Cosmetic Products Containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids as Ingredients December 2, 2002
• AHAs and UV Sensitivity: Results of New FDA-Sponsored Studies March 7, 2000
• Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) in Cosmetics March 7, 2000
• FDA Completes Two Clinical Studies of the Safety of Alpha Hydroxy Acid March 7, 2000
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Skin Care: Smooth Sailing or Rough Seas? May 1999
• FDA Backgrounder: Alpha Hydroxy Acids in Cosmetics July 3, 1997
• Skin Peeling Products May 21, 1992