exfoliant

noun

ex·​fo·​liant (ˌ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ənt  -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

The combination of liquid exfoliants gently boosts cell turnover and remove clogged pores, while tea tree leaf water hydrate and soothes. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2026

The best ones contained physical exfoliants as well as chemical exfoliants (like AHA, BHA, or PHA) to slough away dead skin cells, and also featured nourishing ingredients to keep the skin hydrated (like jojoba oil, squalane, and shea butter). — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Sep. 2026

Overdoing scrubs or chemical exfoliants at bedtime can strip your skin barrier and set off breakouts, redness and even microtears. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Owner Bruno Neves uses bison instead of beef fat and also offers deodorants and coffee exfoliants. — Jenna Belhumeur, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

exfoliant

noun

ex·​fo·​liant (ˌ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ənt  -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