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 round things out, many formulas include multitaskers like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for hydration and brightening, plus gentler exfoliants—think PHA or low-dose AHA/BHA blends, so skin gets the benefits of exfoliation without the irritation.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Feb. 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, 10 Feb. 2026
For instance, gentle exfoliants like brown sugar and lactic acid smooth away dry skin so nourishing oils, shea butter, and vitamin E can absorb more deeply, while Pro-Vitamin B5 and calming botanicals help soften the skin, lock in hydration, and relax the senses.
—Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 4 Feb. 2026
When Dennis Gross, MD, launched his eponymous skincare brand in 2000, beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) were just emerging as leave-on exfoliants.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 6 Jan. 2026
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Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Feb. 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, 10 Feb. 2026
For instance, gentle exfoliants like brown sugar and lactic acid smooth away dry skin so nourishing oils, shea butter, and vitamin E can absorb more deeply, while Pro-Vitamin B5 and calming botanicals help soften the skin, lock in hydration, and relax the senses.
—Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 4 Feb. 2026
When Dennis Gross, MD, launched his eponymous skincare brand in 2000, beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) were just emerging as leave-on exfoliants.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 6 Jan. 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 20 Feb. 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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