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
And compared with stronger anti-aging ingredients like retinoids or chemical exfoliants, copper peptides are generally considered less irritating and are often well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
—
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 June 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, 11 June 2026
These can include retinoids, AHAs (such as glycolic and lactic acids), BHAs (like salicylic acid), and mechanical exfoliants.
—Giulia Lenzi, Vogue, 14 May 2026
Chemical exfoliants help, but the approach matters.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
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Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 June 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, 11 June 2026
These can include retinoids, AHAs (such as glycolic and lactic acids), BHAs (like salicylic acid), and mechanical exfoliants.
—Giulia Lenzi, Vogue, 14 May 2026
Chemical exfoliants help, but the approach matters.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exfoliant
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exfoliant. Accessed 24 Jun. 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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