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
The Harvest Grapeseed Ritual begins with a dry brush and exfoliating scrub, followed by a rich body butter and a glass of Elusa Cabernet Sauvignon.
—
Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
And its gentle formula of exfoliating sugars and nourishing coconut and sunflower oils is made in small batches in the US.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
The beauty ingredient is known for helping exfoliate skin and improve collagen production, which typically results in brighter skin and diminished fine lines and hyper pigmentation.
—Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Adult skincare often contains ingredients that may irritate young skin, like fragrances, exfoliating acids, and topical retinol, derms say.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
And its gentle formula of exfoliating sugars and nourishing coconut and sunflower oils is made in small batches in the US.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
The beauty ingredient is known for helping exfoliate skin and improve collagen production, which typically results in brighter skin and diminished fine lines and hyper pigmentation.
—Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Adult skincare often contains ingredients that may irritate young skin, like fragrances, exfoliating acids, and topical retinol, derms say.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Aug. 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 16 Sep. 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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