exfoliant

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountabletechnical

   A product or substance used to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin.

   Grammar: Countable for types (a gentle exfoliant) and uncountable for the substance (apply exfoliant).

   Patterns

   • use an exfoliant on something
   • an exfoliant for something

   She uses a gentle exfoliant on her face twice a week.

   Sugar makes a cheap natural exfoliant for dry lips.

   Chemical exfoliants can irritate sensitive skin.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounrare

   Causing the outer layer of skin to peel or scrub away.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: an exfoliant scrub.

   Patterns

   • exfoliant effect

   The cream has an exfoliant effect.

   The brand sells an exfoliant mask.

Word forms

Common combinations

chemical exfoliant

A chemical exfoliant uses acids.

gentle exfoliant

Choose a gentle exfoliant for sensitive skin.

physical exfoliant

A sugar scrub is a physical exfoliant.

apply an exfoliant

Apply an exfoliant before moisturizing.

daily exfoliant

Most dermatologists advise against a daily exfoliant.

Synonyms and how they differ

scrub

It is the everyday word for a gritty product and covers only physical exfoliants.

peel

It means a chemical treatment that removes skin layers, stronger than most exfoliants.

cleanser

It removes dirt and oil, not dead skin cells.

abrasive

It is a general word for any rough substance and is not specific to skin.

Opposites

Word family

exfoliate verb

to remove dead skin cells

exfoliation noun

the removal of dead skin

exfoliating adjective

that removes dead skin

exfoliator noun

a tool or product that exfoliates

Commonly confused: exfoliant or moisturizer?

Practice

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