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
Aside from bacteria-fighting exfoliants, arrowroot powder acts as a natural moisture absorber without clogging pores.
—
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2026
The first is to lock in any serums, exfoliants or other products that serve to correct a specific issue.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
Inspired by aqua peel treatments, the formula pairs gentle exfoliants—alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA), and polyhydroxy acid (PHA)—with a deeply hydrating complex to resurface and replenish the skin simultaneously.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Mar. 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 Mar. 2026
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Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2026
The first is to lock in any serums, exfoliants or other products that serve to correct a specific issue.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026
Inspired by aqua peel treatments, the formula pairs gentle exfoliants—alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA), and polyhydroxy acid (PHA)—with a deeply hydrating complex to resurface and replenish the skin simultaneously.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Mar. 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 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 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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