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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Oatmeal Oatmeal is an excellent exfoliant with anti-inflammatory qualities that help soothe skin irritation.2
Create a paste mixture of three parts oatmeal, one part honey, and one part milk.
—
Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 June 2025
Whereas hydrating primers are made with hydrating ingredients, primers for oily skin will often include ingredients like oil-absorbing powders and exfoliants.
—Danielle Jackson, Vogue, 1 June 2025
This bestselling toner helps shrink pores and balance oil control without drying out the skin, thanks to its combination of mild exfoliants and soothing botanical extracts.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, Glamour, 15 May 2025
No cleansers, exfoliants or serums − not even water.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 3 May 2025
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Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 June 2025
Whereas hydrating primers are made with hydrating ingredients, primers for oily skin will often include ingredients like oil-absorbing powders and exfoliants.
—Danielle Jackson, Vogue, 1 June 2025
This bestselling toner helps shrink pores and balance oil control without drying out the skin, thanks to its combination of mild exfoliants and soothing botanical extracts.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, Glamour, 15 May 2025
No cleansers, exfoliants or serums − not even water.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 3 May 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 8 Jul. 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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