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
It’s also used as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
—
Merve Ceylan, Health, 22 Nov. 2025
Lactic acid is an exfoliant derived from the fermentation of lactose found in milk.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 13 Nov. 2025
And in terms of exfoliants, use mild ones instead of gritty scrubs or skip them altogether.
—Margaret Buranen, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
So, what sets glycolic acid apart from other trendy chemical exfoliants, like azelaic acid or salicylic acid?
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 28 Oct. 2025
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Merve Ceylan, Health, 22 Nov. 2025
Lactic acid is an exfoliant derived from the fermentation of lactose found in milk.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 13 Nov. 2025
And in terms of exfoliants, use mild ones instead of gritty scrubs or skip them altogether.
—Margaret Buranen, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025
So, what sets glycolic acid apart from other trendy chemical exfoliants, like azelaic acid or salicylic acid?
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 28 Oct. 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 25 Nov. 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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