exfoliate

verb

Save Word

ex·fo·li·ate | \ (ˌ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt

exfoliated; exfoliating

Definition of exfoliate

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

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

Other Words from exfoliate Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About exfoliate

Other Words from exfoliate

exfoliation \ (ˌ)eks-ˌfō-lē-ˈā-shən

\ noun

exfoliative \ eks-ˈfō-lē-ˌā-tiv

\ adjective

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 Go one step further and exfoliate with the Foreo cleansing and firming massage brush. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2022 This lotion uses AHAs to gently exfoliate the skin, revealing softer texture with no irritation or dryness. — Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 25 Aug. 2022 This potent cleanser does double duty thanks to its high concentration of alpha hydroxy acids, including lactic, glycolic, citric and malic acids, as well as salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate skin and clear clogged pores. — Catharine Malzahn, Good Housekeeping, 6 June 2022 To get the best effects from the device, just moisten your face and the brush head, apply your cleanser of choice, and gently exfoliate your entire face for one minute. — Annie Burdick, Peoplemag, 3 Sep. 2022 Lactic acid is another great ingredient that can exfoliate the flaky type of dry skin. — Tatjana Freund, ELLE, 25 Aug. 2022 This treatment has crushed cupuaçu seeds and sugar crystals mixed into its formula that buff and exfoliate the skin and, to top it off, coconut oil to moisturize and soothe. — Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 26 July 2022 The peel works in one simple step to exfoliate and slough off dead surface cells, while simultaneously replenishing the skin barrier to reveal more radiant-looking skin with each use. — Jennifer Chan, Peoplemag, 25 Aug. 2022 This step combines glycolic acid and salicylic acid to exfoliate and help even out the skin tone while treating and helping prevent future breakouts. — Mariah Morrison, Harper's BAZAAR, 18 Aug. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exfoliate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.