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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Infused with salicylic acid—a BHA known for unclogging the pores and reducing inflammation—this liquid exfoliant is a Vogue editor all-star for taking care of blackheads.
—
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 13 June 2025
Plus, as the founder of skincare company Tatcha, Tsai also gave Meghan a demo on making masks and exfoliants.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
This week the brand, which already offers moisturizers, cleansers, serums, masks and exfoliants, broke into the SPF category with a factor 50 sunscreen for the face and body that features 20 percent zinc oxide.
—Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025
But skin-care products and habits, like harsh chemical exfoliants and cleansing too often (yes, that’s a thing), can inadvertently harm the skin's moisture barrier, which is the outermost layer of the skin (also known as the epidermis) that guards against external stressors.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 4 Mar. 2025
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Jenny Berg, Vogue, 13 June 2025
Plus, as the founder of skincare company Tatcha, Tsai also gave Meghan a demo on making masks and exfoliants.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
This week the brand, which already offers moisturizers, cleansers, serums, masks and exfoliants, broke into the SPF category with a factor 50 sunscreen for the face and body that features 20 percent zinc oxide.
—Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025
But skin-care products and habits, like harsh chemical exfoliants and cleansing too often (yes, that’s a thing), can inadvertently harm the skin's moisture barrier, which is the outermost layer of the skin (also known as the epidermis) that guards against external stressors.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 4 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 3 Jul. 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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