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
Native to southeastern woodlands, oakleaf hydrangeas have vibrant fall color and attractive, exfoliating bark.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
The two-step mask and serum treatment mixes exfoliating acids and silk peptides to trigger cell turnover, then calm, soothe, minimize redness and even skin tone.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
An employee then walks to that aisle, unlocks the cabinet and waits while the shopper picks out the exfoliating cleanser.
—James Barron, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Because it’s formulated without exfoliating acids, there’s little to no chance of irritation or sensitivity to sunlight.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
The two-step mask and serum treatment mixes exfoliating acids and silk peptides to trigger cell turnover, then calm, soothe, minimize redness and even skin tone.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
An employee then walks to that aisle, unlocks the cabinet and waits while the shopper picks out the exfoliating cleanser.
—James Barron, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Because it’s formulated without exfoliating acids, there’s little to no chance of irritation or sensitivity to sunlight.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 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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