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.
If breakouts are a concern, a toner that includes gentle exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid can keep pores clear and refine skin texture. Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 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 Packed with moisturizing and gently exfoliating ingredients, this face cream is a dream for mature skin. Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 26 Aug. 2025 Though a scrub can also remove dead cells, chemically exfoliating with alpha hydroxy acid products can go beyond the surface to provide many more benefits. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 25 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 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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