exfoliant

noun

ex·fo·liant | \ (ˌ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ənt ,

-ˈfōl-yənt

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

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 Alpha hydroxy acids — typically glycolic, lactic and citric — are stronger exfoliants than enzymes. — Crystal Martin, New York Times, "Exfoliation Tips for the Best Skin Ever," 25 June 2018 Lactic acid is the rare acid that’s a moisturizing exfoliant. — Kathleen Hou, The Cut, "Everything You Need to Know About Face Acids," 12 July 2018 Chemical exfoliants like glycolic and beta hydroxy (also known as salicylic) acid peels are universally preferred by skin-care experts. — Ashley Weatherford, The Cut, "Are You Exfoliating Your Face Wrong?," 11 July 2018 Chemical exfoliants gently break the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, so they can be easily rinsed away. — Crystal Martin, New York Times, "Exfoliation Tips for the Best Skin Ever," 25 June 2018 Aina is a recent convert to chemical exfoliants rather than physical ones like a scrub. — Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, "Jackie Aina Walks Us Through Her Intense Nighttime Skin Routine," 6 June 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," 6 July 2018 The law went into effect in July 2017 and was meant to stop microbeads, small pieces of plastic used as exfoliants, from slipping through water treatment plants and ending up in waters. — Marilyn Icsman, USA TODAY, "Kourtney Kardashian takes Washington to talk cosmetics reform on Capitol Hill," 24 Apr. 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.