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
Choose an exfoliant that has an AHA, such as lactic acid, or other hydrating properties to soothe your skin while exfoliating.
—
Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
Double-cleanse with Aprilskin cleansing balm, Eminence daily exfoliating cleanser, Thayer’s toner, Glow Recipe blackberry retinol, and Farmacy honey halo moisturizer.
—R29 Team, Refinery29, 26 Sep. 2025
The best clarifying shampoo can completely transform a lackluster shower routine, deep cleansing hair, exfoliating the scalp, and banishing excess oils and product buildup that leave strands flat, dull, or frizz-prone.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
To prevent staining your hands, wash them immediately after applying self-tanner, and treat them like you would the rest of your body with an exfoliating mitt if any color lingers.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
Double-cleanse with Aprilskin cleansing balm, Eminence daily exfoliating cleanser, Thayer’s toner, Glow Recipe blackberry retinol, and Farmacy honey halo moisturizer.
—R29 Team, Refinery29, 26 Sep. 2025
The best clarifying shampoo can completely transform a lackluster shower routine, deep cleansing hair, exfoliating the scalp, and banishing excess oils and product buildup that leave strands flat, dull, or frizz-prone.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
To prevent staining your hands, wash them immediately after applying self-tanner, and treat them like you would the rest of your body with an exfoliating mitt if any color lingers.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 23 Sep. 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 1 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
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