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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Glycolic acid provides heavy resurfacing, while the supporting acids exfoliate more evenly, reducing the risk of irritation typically associated with stronger exfoliants.
—
Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 1 Jan. 2026
As a quick recap, the microscopic, needle-like structures derived from sea sponges act as both a liquid exfoliant and a vehicle for other ingredients, creating micro-channels in your skin (somewhat similar to microneedling) so that other ingredients can penetrate deeper into the skin’s dermis.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2025
Start with a gentle chemical exfoliant instead of a harsh sugar scrub, followed by a lip mask.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
It’s also used as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 22 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliant
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Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 1 Jan. 2026
As a quick recap, the microscopic, needle-like structures derived from sea sponges act as both a liquid exfoliant and a vehicle for other ingredients, creating micro-channels in your skin (somewhat similar to microneedling) so that other ingredients can penetrate deeper into the skin’s dermis.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2025
Start with a gentle chemical exfoliant instead of a harsh sugar scrub, followed by a lip mask.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
It’s also used as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 22 Nov. 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 6 Jan. 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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