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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The potent natural ingredients include lactic acid, glycolic acid, tree bark ferment, lemon water, kombucha black tea ferment, and citrus bioflavonoids, and it’s the best all-natural nighttime exfoliant for nightly deep cleaning. 
The Salt Lake Tribune, 24 May 2022 The line includes a facial serum, a cleanser, treatments specifically for the morning and for the nighttime, and a chemical exfoliant — products that can provide significant results in just a week of consistent use in your routine. Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, 10 Aug. 2022 On the first night of the regimen, Dr. Bowe recommends exfoliating the skin with a chemical exfoliant. Chelsea Avila, Allure, 5 Aug. 2022 The INKEY List Mandelic Acid Treatment Mandelic acid, which is derived from almonds, acts as a gentle chemical exfoliant, and can be perfect for sensitive skin, as SELF has previously reported. SELF, 19 July 2022 The Skin Guardian Moisturizer is a chemical exfoliant that utilizes alpha-hydroxy acid to blast away dead skin cells, clear pores, and help skin glow. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 24 May 2022 Among the winners are Cetaphil’s people-pleasing gentle cleanser, a superb acne-banishing exfoliant from Glow Recipe, and red light therapy mask from Omnilux. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 19 July 2022 Skin Shield Body Wash contains Australian caviar lime extract, which is a natural exfoliant, and Tasmanian sea kelp to help soothe and soften the skin. Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2022 To bring it back to life, GlamGlow formulated an excellent exfoliant and facial mask in one to gently remove all dead skin and impurities to help your skin glow with life and health. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 9 June 2022 See More
The Salt Lake Tribune, 24 May 2022 The line includes a facial serum, a cleanser, treatments specifically for the morning and for the nighttime, and a chemical exfoliant — products that can provide significant results in just a week of consistent use in your routine. Ineye Komonibo, refinery29.com, 10 Aug. 2022 On the first night of the regimen, Dr. Bowe recommends exfoliating the skin with a chemical exfoliant. Chelsea Avila, Allure, 5 Aug. 2022 The INKEY List Mandelic Acid Treatment Mandelic acid, which is derived from almonds, acts as a gentle chemical exfoliant, and can be perfect for sensitive skin, as SELF has previously reported. SELF, 19 July 2022 The Skin Guardian Moisturizer is a chemical exfoliant that utilizes alpha-hydroxy acid to blast away dead skin cells, clear pores, and help skin glow. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 24 May 2022 Among the winners are Cetaphil’s people-pleasing gentle cleanser, a superb acne-banishing exfoliant from Glow Recipe, and red light therapy mask from Omnilux. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 19 July 2022 Skin Shield Body Wash contains Australian caviar lime extract, which is a natural exfoliant, and Tasmanian sea kelp to help soothe and soften the skin. Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2022 To bring it back to life, GlamGlow formulated an excellent exfoliant and facial mask in one to gently remove all dead skin and impurities to help your skin glow with life and health. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 9 June 2022 See More 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
-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