exfoliant

noun

ex·fo·liant | \(ˌ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ənt,

Definition of exfoliant

: 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

After plucking or pricking the ingrown hair, treat the area with a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. — Loni Venti, Teen Vogue, "How To Get Rid of Ingrown Hair: 9 Tips to Heal Your Skin," 5 Oct. 2018 Splash your face with warm water and then gently rub in an exfoliant with your hands (a wash cloth can irritate your skin further). — Amanda Elser, Seventeen, "Tip From Inside the Beauty Closet: Sunburn First-Aid Kit!," 14 June 2013 These chemical exfoliants can smooth fine lines, even pigmentation, and penetrate deeply into pores, dissolving sticky plugs of sebum and dead skin. — Allure, "The Skin-Care Glossary: A Comprehensive Guide to Everything You Need to Know," 17 Aug. 2018 Not long ago, most people's skin care routines consisted of a quick wash, maybe a weekly exfoliant, and some moisturizer. — Leeann Duggan, Glamour, "I Tried an 8-Step $400 Luxury Skin Care Routine…for My Vagina," 25 Oct. 2018 There are two types of chemical exfoliants: AHA, or alpha-hydroxy acids, and BHA, beta-hydroxy acids. — Amber Katz, SELF, "Chemical Exfoliation Is the Skin-Care Step Your Body Is Missing," 9 Aug. 2018 In the days leading up to your appointment, give your body a good scrub with a mild exfoliant. — Sam Escobar, Good Housekeeping, "12 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Bikini Wax," 23 July 2018 The exfoliants are similar to salicylic acid; however. — Ashley Weatherford, The Cut, "Your Guide to Affordable Skin Care," 30 Mar. 2018 There are also a range chemical exfoliants in regards to strength so can be tailored to specific skin types. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "How to Get Glowing Skin," 25 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exfoliant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.