exfoliant
noun
ex·fo·liant
(ˌ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ənt 
-ˈfōl-yənt
-ˈfōl-yənt
: a mechanical or chemical agent (such as an abrasive skin wash or salicylic acid) that is applied to the skin to remove dead cells from the surface
Examples of exfoliant in a Sentence
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Avoid irritating your skin with abrasive exfoliant scrubs or harsh loofahs and back brushes.
—
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
On the other hand, brightening alternatives like chemical exfoliants (think salicylic acid, glycolic acid) are great at sloughing off the top layer of your skin to reveal a fresh layer underneath.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Mar. 2025
Acne-Prone Skin: Focus on nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, plus exfoliants like salicylic acid can help to clear pores.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025
Some chemical exfoliants may need to sit for several minutes.
—Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025
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Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2025
On the other hand, brightening alternatives like chemical exfoliants (think salicylic acid, glycolic acid) are great at sloughing off the top layer of your skin to reveal a fresh layer underneath.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Mar. 2025
Acne-Prone Skin: Focus on nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, plus exfoliants like salicylic acid can help to clear pores.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025
Some chemical exfoliants may need to sit for several minutes.
—Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliant
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exfoliant. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
exfoliant
noun
ex·fo·liant
(ˌ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ənt
-ˈfōl-yənt
-ˈfōl-yənt
: a mechanical or chemical agent (as an abrasive skin wash or salicylic acid) that is applied to the skin to remove dead cells from the surface
called also exfoliator
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