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
Recent Examples on the Web
Some chemical exfoliants may need to sit for several minutes.
—
Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025
This lightweight, natural retinol alternative more or less functions as a hydrating, leave-on exfoliant, increasing cell turnover and reducing dark spots and sun damage.
—Elizabeth Mitchell Kadar, Glamour, 22 Jan. 2025
Gentle enough for sensitive skin, the PCA Skin Pigment Gel Pro avoids harsh exfoliants and instead relies on soothing ingredients like lactic acid.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Dec. 2024
Gentle physical exfoliants can also help polish away dead skin without irritation.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliant
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Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025
This lightweight, natural retinol alternative more or less functions as a hydrating, leave-on exfoliant, increasing cell turnover and reducing dark spots and sun damage.
—Elizabeth Mitchell Kadar, Glamour, 22 Jan. 2025
Gentle enough for sensitive skin, the PCA Skin Pigment Gel Pro avoids harsh exfoliants and instead relies on soothing ingredients like lactic acid.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Dec. 2024
Gentle physical exfoliants can also help polish away dead skin without irritation.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 4 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 12 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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