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
This refreshing exfoliating toner clears out buildup that can exaggerate uneven texture, thanks to a 4-HA complex (AHA, BHA, PHA, LHA) that sweeps away dead skin cells without tipping into irritation.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026
At the same time, ceramides help reinforce the skin barrier so the exfoliating ingredients don’t leave skin feeling stripped or dry.
—Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026
Lilis’s rinse-off serum is also an in-shower wonder, while Topical’s milky exfoliating serum is a leave-on treatment.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2026
The Afri-Cure starts with a body wrap made from lemongrass, jumbie and tamarind leaves, as well as a gently exfoliating papaya mask applied to the face, and then a full-body exfoliation using turmeric, honey and local sea salt.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026
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Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026
At the same time, ceramides help reinforce the skin barrier so the exfoliating ingredients don’t leave skin feeling stripped or dry.
—Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026
Lilis’s rinse-off serum is also an in-shower wonder, while Topical’s milky exfoliating serum is a leave-on treatment.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2026
The Afri-Cure starts with a body wrap made from lemongrass, jumbie and tamarind leaves, as well as a gently exfoliating papaya mask applied to the face, and then a full-body exfoliation using turmeric, honey and local sea salt.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 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 31 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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