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
These acids gently exfoliate dry, rough nails while adding moisture.5
A Word From Verywell
Apply petroleum jelly to your nails to help lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier to the nails and surrounding skin.
—
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 18 Feb. 2025
Overall, topical retinoids gently exfoliate the skin while gradually building collagen, which can help improve the appearance of acne scars where collagen was destroyed by inflammation.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025
Instead, the exfoliating beads are suspended in a cloud-like gel that makes scrubbing more comfortable.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2025
Sometimes achieving smooth, soft feet takes more than just exfoliating and moisturizing.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 18 Feb. 2025
Overall, topical retinoids gently exfoliate the skin while gradually building collagen, which can help improve the appearance of acne scars where collagen was destroyed by inflammation.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2025
Instead, the exfoliating beads are suspended in a cloud-like gel that makes scrubbing more comfortable.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2025
Sometimes achieving smooth, soft feet takes more than just exfoliating and moisturizing.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 9 Jan. 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 27 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share