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
Prickly pear extract and hyaluronic acid gently exfoliate and hydrate, respectively, leaving the complexion looking noticeably fresher and more luminous.
—
Emily Orofino, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025
It is formulated to absorb excess oil, exfoliate and pull out product build up.
—Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2025
Dry Brushing Dry brushing, which is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine (ancient healing system of India) method of exfoliating (removing surface dead skin cells) the skin with a natural bristle brush using specific strokes.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2025
The Proactiv Acne Cleanser includes several effective ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide and hyaluronic acid, to exfoliate the skin, fight acne, and more.
—Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Emily Orofino, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025
It is formulated to absorb excess oil, exfoliate and pull out product build up.
—Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2025
Dry Brushing Dry brushing, which is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine (ancient healing system of India) method of exfoliating (removing surface dead skin cells) the skin with a natural bristle brush using specific strokes.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2025
The Proactiv Acne Cleanser includes several effective ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide and hyaluronic acid, to exfoliate the skin, fight acne, and more.
—Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 21 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 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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