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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To further boost results, the formula also includes lipo-hydroxy acid, a gentle exfoliant that helps smooth skin’s surface and enhance radiance without the sting of harsher acids.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
Choose an exfoliant that has an AHA, such as lactic acid, or other hydrating properties to soothe your skin while exfoliating.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
The skin on your face and your scalp have the same pH, so the exfoliants in many face washes can also work well for your scalp.
—Essence, 24 Sep. 2025
Ferulic acid is still at its brightening best, thanks to its antioxidant properties, but lactic acid, a gentle exfoliant that both sloughs away dead cells and hydrates skin, also assists to even out skin tone and encourage a glowing complexion.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2025
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Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
Choose an exfoliant that has an AHA, such as lactic acid, or other hydrating properties to soothe your skin while exfoliating.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
The skin on your face and your scalp have the same pH, so the exfoliants in many face washes can also work well for your scalp.
—Essence, 24 Sep. 2025
Ferulic acid is still at its brightening best, thanks to its antioxidant properties, but lactic acid, a gentle exfoliant that both sloughs away dead cells and hydrates skin, also assists to even out skin tone and encourage a glowing complexion.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 19 Sep. 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 8 Oct. 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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