noun

exfoliant

eks-FOH-lee-unt

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Exfoliant (noun) means a product or ingredient that loosens and removes dead cells from the surface of the skin, either by physical rubbing with fine particles or by chemical action that dissolves the bonds holding those cells together. Example: “The scrub was too gritty, so she switched to a gentler exfoliant.”

noun

A product or ingredient that loosens and removes dead cells from the surface of the skin, either by physical rubbing with fine particles or by chemical action that dissolves the bonds holding those cells together.

"The scrub was too gritty, so she switched to a gentler exfoliant."

"Some acids act as an exfoliant even though nothing in the bottle feels rough."

adjective

Having the effect of removing dead surface skin.

"The cleanser had a mild exfoliant action."

How to use exfoliant

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that takes dead skin off the surface.

When to use it

Standard in cosmetics and dermatology; the verb is exfoliate and the process is exfoliation.

Memory tip

The word family runs exfoliate (verb), exfoliation (process), exfoliant (the thing that does it).

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

exfoliator peel → scrub → cleanser →

Common pairings

chemical exfoliant physical exfoliant gentle exfoliant enzyme exfoliant

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “exfoliant” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The scrub was too gritty, so she switched to a gentler _____.

Etymology

From Latin exfoliare, to strip of leaves, from ex- meaning off and folium meaning leaf.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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scrub peel exfoliator resurfacer

Related words

bush wash strip delete peel scrub shaving abort

Rhymes for exfoliant

giant variant radiant valiant defiant deviant reliant brilliant compliant

See all rhymes for exfoliant →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a physical and a chemical exfoliant?

A physical exfoliant contains particles, brushes or cloths that dislodge dead cells by friction. A chemical exfoliant uses acids or enzymes to break the bonds between those cells so they shed. Both target the same surface layer by different routes.

Is exfoliant the same as exfoliator?

In practice the two words are used for the same thing. Exfoliant is more often the ingredient or substance, and exfoliator more often the finished product or the device, but the distinction is not firm.

What are AHAs and BHAs?

They are the two main groups of chemical exfoliating acids. AHA stands for alpha hydroxy acid, of which glycolic and lactic acid are examples, and BHA stands for beta hydroxy acid, of which salicylic acid is the familiar one.

What is the meaning of exfoliant?

"exfoliant" (noun) means a product or ingredient that loosens and removes dead cells from the surface of the skin, either by physical rubbing with fine particles or by chemical action that dissolves the bonds holding those cells together.

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