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
Glycolic acid provides heavy resurfacing, while the supporting acids exfoliate more evenly, reducing the risk of irritation typically associated with stronger exfoliants.
—
Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 1 Jan. 2026
Beneficial qualities There are many makeup remover cloths out there that have soothing, hydrating or exfoliating qualities.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026
The executive is looking to bring the Kate Somerville brand back to a strong position by leaning into its clinical roots and exalting its hero ExfoliKate line of cleansers and treatments, priced between $46 for a foaming wash and $85 for an exfoliating treatment.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 30 Dec. 2025
Plus, the dual-sided pads feature a smooth gel side for plumping and a textured side for an exfoliating boost.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 1 Jan. 2026
Beneficial qualities There are many makeup remover cloths out there that have soothing, hydrating or exfoliating qualities.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2026
The executive is looking to bring the Kate Somerville brand back to a strong position by leaning into its clinical roots and exalting its hero ExfoliKate line of cleansers and treatments, priced between $46 for a foaming wash and $85 for an exfoliating treatment.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 30 Dec. 2025
Plus, the dual-sided pads feature a smooth gel side for plumping and a textured side for an exfoliating boost.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Dec. 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 7 Jan. 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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