What Is a Beta Hydroxy Acid?
Beta hydroxy acid is not a single substance; instead, it is a term used to describe a family of organic acids. These organic compounds may either be naturally occurring or synthetic. In their natural chemical state, beta hydroxy acids are found in the body, in fruits, and in the bark of the willow tree. Scientists have been able to synthesize the acids in laboratories. Synthetic versions have proven to be as effective as the natural forms and are used in an array of medicines and commercial products. The beta hydroxy acid family consists of salicylic acid, carnitine, beta-hydroxybutyric acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, and beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate acid.
