exfoliate

verb

ex·​fo·​li·​ate (ˌ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt How to pronounce exfoliate (audio)
exfoliated; exfoliating

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

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
exfoliative adjective

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
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.
These medications are up to 20 times stronger than over-the-counter retinols and can increase collagen production, speed up the skin’s natural regeneration process, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce acne. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 10 Oct. 2025 These exfoliating acids works alongside glycerin and sorbitol to remove excess oils and refine congested pores to keep breakouts at bay without drying the skin. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025 The main ingredient used is galactaric acid, which is known for its delicate exfoliating properties. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025 A’pieu’s Mint Hair Vinegar is a Korean take on the traditional vinegar rinse, blending mint extract and vinegar to exfoliate the scalp while restoring pH balance and shine. Sarah Han, Allure, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exfoliate

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin exfoliatus, past participle of exfoliare to strip of leaves, from Latin ex- + folium leaf — more at blade

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exfoliate was in 1612

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exfoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exfoliate. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

exfoliate

verb
ex·​fo·​li·​ate -ˈfō-lē-ˌāt How to pronounce exfoliate (audio)
exfoliated; exfoliating

transitive verb

1
: to cast off in scales or laminae
2
: to remove the surface of in scales or laminae
3
: to shed (teeth) by exfoliation

intransitive verb

1
: to split into or give off scales, laminae, or body cells
2
: to come off in thin layers or scales : scale off
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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