exfoliate
verb
ex·fo·li·ate
(ˌ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt 
exfoliated; exfoliating
1
: to cast off in scales, laminae, or splinters
2
: to remove the surface of in scales or laminae
3
: to spread or extend by or as if by opening out leaves
1
: to split into or give off scales, laminae, or body cells
2
: to come off in thin layers or scales
3
: to grow by or as if by producing or unfolding leaves
Examples of exfoliate in a Sentence
a soap that promises to help me exfoliate all that dry, flaky skin I've apparently been carrying around
Recent Examples on the Web
Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid hydrates, lactic acid gently exfoliates, and vitamin E softens.
—
Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 13 May 2025
In fact, her exclusive two-hour, $550-and-up exfoliating treatments that reveal a red carpet-worthy glow from head to toe are favorites among her A-list clients.
—Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2025
Acne-prone skin will drink up this oil-free pick that provides moisture while gently exfoliating.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 1 May 2025
No fancy serums, no exfoliating acids—just clean skin, the mask, and vibes.
—Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 13 May 2025
In fact, her exclusive two-hour, $550-and-up exfoliating treatments that reveal a red carpet-worthy glow from head to toe are favorites among her A-list clients.
—Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2025
Acne-prone skin will drink up this oil-free pick that provides moisture while gently exfoliating.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 1 May 2025
No fancy serums, no exfoliating acids—just clean skin, the mask, and vibes.
—Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exfoliate. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
exfoliate
verb
ex·fo·li·ate
-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt
exfoliated; exfoliating
1
: to cast off in scales or laminae
2
: to remove the surface of in scales or laminae
3
: to shed (teeth) by exfoliation
1
: to split into or give off scales, laminae, or body cells
2
: to come off in thin layers or scales : scale off
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