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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Lastly, Abbas notes that, like any exfoliant, citric acid can cause dryness, irritation, or sensitivity if overused or used in very high concentrations.
—
Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 14 Jan. 2026
Think nourishing cleansers, mild exfoliants, straightforward moisturizers, and mineral sunscreens that protect without raising ingredient concerns.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Jan. 2026
Primarily, there are beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) courtesy of lipo hydroxy acid (LHA), a deep-penetrating chemical exfoliant that gently sloughs off old, dead cells to reveal brighter, fresher skin.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
As a quick recap, the microscopic, needle-like structures derived from sea sponges act as both a liquid exfoliant and a vehicle for other ingredients, creating micro-channels in your skin (somewhat similar to microneedling) so that other ingredients can penetrate deeper into the skin’s dermis.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2025
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Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 14 Jan. 2026
Think nourishing cleansers, mild exfoliants, straightforward moisturizers, and mineral sunscreens that protect without raising ingredient concerns.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Jan. 2026
Primarily, there are beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) courtesy of lipo hydroxy acid (LHA), a deep-penetrating chemical exfoliant that gently sloughs off old, dead cells to reveal brighter, fresher skin.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
As a quick recap, the microscopic, needle-like structures derived from sea sponges act as both a liquid exfoliant and a vehicle for other ingredients, creating micro-channels in your skin (somewhat similar to microneedling) so that other ingredients can penetrate deeper into the skin’s dermis.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 Dec. 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 23 Jan. 2026.
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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