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
In fact, vitamin C, chemical exfoliants (like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid), and retinol shouldn’t be used together all at once, since this combination can irritate and inflame the skin (including your existing hyperpigmentation).
—
Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Aug. 2025
Others may include physical exfoliants, such as fine scrub particles, to manually remove dead cells from the skin.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 July 2025
The peppermint offers a pleasant and fresh scent, the physical exfoliants did not feel harsh or stripping, and the lightweight, almost gel-like consistency glides on and massages into the skin with ease.
—Cierra Black, Essence, 24 June 2025
Honey Honey can be used as an exfoliant to remove dead hyperpigmented skin cells.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliant
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Aug. 2025
Others may include physical exfoliants, such as fine scrub particles, to manually remove dead cells from the skin.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 July 2025
The peppermint offers a pleasant and fresh scent, the physical exfoliants did not feel harsh or stripping, and the lightweight, almost gel-like consistency glides on and massages into the skin with ease.
—Cierra Black, Essence, 24 June 2025
Honey Honey can be used as an exfoliant to remove dead hyperpigmented skin cells.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 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 21 Aug. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share