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
Commonly grown as multi-trunked specimens, the exfoliating bark takes center stage in winter with peeling layers of cinnamon-brown.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
The two-step system is designed to exfoliate and nourish without irritation, so even sensitive skin types can get in on the glow.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Feb. 2026
The line also includes a scalp exfoliating shampoo and scalp serum, which are both mainstays in my monthly hair routine.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
This is the step where active ingredients such as retinoids or exfoliating acids may be introduced carefully.
—Allison Palmer
updated February 25, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
The two-step system is designed to exfoliate and nourish without irritation, so even sensitive skin types can get in on the glow.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Feb. 2026
The line also includes a scalp exfoliating shampoo and scalp serum, which are both mainstays in my monthly hair routine.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
This is the step where active ingredients such as retinoids or exfoliating acids may be introduced carefully.
—Allison Palmer
updated February 25, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
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. 2026.
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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