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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Soothing watery toner, milky toner, or liquid exfoliant, a look at the Korean toners on sale during Prime Day.
—
Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
To further boost results, the formula also includes lipo-hydroxy acid, a gentle exfoliant that helps smooth skin’s surface and enhance radiance without the sting of harsher acids.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
Choose an exfoliant with BHA, such as salicylic acid, to help remove excess oil.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
The skin on your face and your scalp have the same pH, so the exfoliants in many face washes can also work well for your scalp.
—Essence, 24 Sep. 2025
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Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
To further boost results, the formula also includes lipo-hydroxy acid, a gentle exfoliant that helps smooth skin’s surface and enhance radiance without the sting of harsher acids.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 Oct. 2025
Choose an exfoliant with BHA, such as salicylic acid, to help remove excess oil.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
The skin on your face and your scalp have the same pH, so the exfoliants in many face washes can also work well for your scalp.
—Essence, 24 Sep. 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 18 Oct. 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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