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