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
So, what sets glycolic acid apart from other trendy chemical exfoliants, like azelaic acid or salicylic acid?
—
Grace McCarty, Glamour, 28 Oct. 2025
Pause exfoliants and retinol If your skin is not accustomed to cold or dry conditions, don’t use exfoliants or retinoids during your trip, since these ingredients can cause irritation and dryness.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
As with Korean retinols, using exfoliants that are mild enough to be used daily can ultimately maximize your glow while minimizing sensitivity.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025
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
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Grace McCarty, Glamour, 28 Oct. 2025
Pause exfoliants and retinol If your skin is not accustomed to cold or dry conditions, don’t use exfoliants or retinoids during your trip, since these ingredients can cause irritation and dryness.
—Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
As with Korean retinols, using exfoliants that are mild enough to be used daily can ultimately maximize your glow while minimizing sensitivity.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for exfoliant
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exfoliant. Accessed 3 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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