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
Similar to other exfoliating acids, mandelic acid gently dissolves the bonds between dead skin and the healthy skin underneath.
—
Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2025
Use the eraser’s short fiber side to erase all makeup (including waterproof and long-wear formulas) and the longer side to gently exfoliate the skin.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
The 60% propolis extract gives it a honey-like consistency, cushioning skin with much-need moisture, while niacinamide and BHA control surface oils and gently exfoliate for a clearer, smoother complexion.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2025
The pumpkin powerhouse smoothing and exfoliating lip mask was a personal favorite, lasting for hours on our lips.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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.
Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2025
Use the eraser’s short fiber side to erase all makeup (including waterproof and long-wear formulas) and the longer side to gently exfoliate the skin.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
The 60% propolis extract gives it a honey-like consistency, cushioning skin with much-need moisture, while niacinamide and BHA control surface oils and gently exfoliate for a clearer, smoother complexion.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2025
The pumpkin powerhouse smoothing and exfoliating lip mask was a personal favorite, lasting for hours on our lips.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share