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
Acids are a form of a chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, smooth texture, unclog pores, and fade hyperpigmentation.
—
Larry Stansbury, Essence, 14 July 2025
Founded originally as a makeup brand, Rare Beauty moved into body care in 2023, dropping lotions, exfoliants, body washes, mists and creams.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 8 July 2025
Both experts say that dry brushing, the physical exfoliant that sloughs away dead skin cells, can be beneficial to keeping strawberry legs at bay.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 1 July 2025
The best keratosis pilaris treatment products, at a glance
This one ranked best overall for its elite combination of chemical and physical exfoliants (pumice puffing beads) that leave the skin exceptionally smooth and bright.
—Talia Abbas, Glamour, 23 June 2025
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Larry Stansbury, Essence, 14 July 2025
Founded originally as a makeup brand, Rare Beauty moved into body care in 2023, dropping lotions, exfoliants, body washes, mists and creams.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 8 July 2025
Both experts say that dry brushing, the physical exfoliant that sloughs away dead skin cells, can be beneficial to keeping strawberry legs at bay.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 1 July 2025
The best keratosis pilaris treatment products, at a glance
This one ranked best overall for its elite combination of chemical and physical exfoliants (pumice puffing beads) that leave the skin exceptionally smooth and bright.
—Talia Abbas, Glamour, 23 June 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 24 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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