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
The ProGrowth + Peptide range for those with fine or thin hair includes a gently exfoliating mandelic acid shampoo, thickening conditioner, strengthening serum (in a click-pen applicator, shown) and a serum mist that protects hair from heat damage while also plumping up strands.
—
Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
Clean And Degrease Hair Baking soda's exfoliating properties can help remove residues in your hair.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025
Make an exfoliating body scrub.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 7 Dec. 2025
This antiaging overnight mask contains AHAs, retinol and papaya enzymes to exfoliate the skin and smooth texture without irritation.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
Clean And Degrease Hair Baking soda's exfoliating properties can help remove residues in your hair.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025
Make an exfoliating body scrub.
—Cody Godwin, USA Today, 7 Dec. 2025
This antiaging overnight mask contains AHAs, retinol and papaya enzymes to exfoliate the skin and smooth texture without irritation.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 Nov. 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 16 Dec. 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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