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
That might look like a tailored routine of prescription topicals, gentle exfoliants, antioxidants, and religious sunscreen use of at least SPF 30
Does melasma go away on its own?
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025
Steer clear of physical exfoliants or scrubs, chemical exfoliants (salicylic or glycolic acids, for example), acne fighters like sulfur or benzoyl peroxide, botanicals such as essential oils, and other active ingredients that might stress out sensitive skin.
—Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 9 Apr. 2025
That said, the use of gentle exfoliants can be helpful to get rid of dead skin buildup that can be seen in psoriasis.
—Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
Best of all, the natural exfoliants found in ingredients like orange, grapefruit, and lemon work as a gentle exfoliant to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores over time.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliant
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025
Steer clear of physical exfoliants or scrubs, chemical exfoliants (salicylic or glycolic acids, for example), acne fighters like sulfur or benzoyl peroxide, botanicals such as essential oils, and other active ingredients that might stress out sensitive skin.
—Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 9 Apr. 2025
That said, the use of gentle exfoliants can be helpful to get rid of dead skin buildup that can be seen in psoriasis.
—Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
Best of all, the natural exfoliants found in ingredients like orange, grapefruit, and lemon work as a gentle exfoliant to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores over time.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 6 Mar. 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 5 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share