exfoliant

noun

: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With a blend of liquid exfoliants, this primer helps control excess oil in your T-zone (which, when left unchecked, creates a mangifying effect on pores). Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 May 2025 That means any manual exfoliant (like a face scrub), benzoyl peroxide, and—depending on how well your skin can stand up to harsh products—retinol. Deanna Pai, Glamour, 20 May 2025 This powerhouse scrub smooths and softens with a mix of physical exfoliants and 10% AHAs. Allure Editors, Allure, 13 May 2025 But if the thought of keeping a calendar to separate your exfoliants and retinols scares you, just remember the basic formula: face wash, treatment, moisturizer. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exfoliant

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exfoliant was in 1983

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exfoliant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exfoliant. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

exfoliant

noun
: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!