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
The pumpkin powerhouse smoothing and exfoliating lip mask was a personal favorite, lasting for hours on our lips.
—
Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Infused in cleansers, toners, and even essences, K-beauty’s exfoliating ingredients are often gentle and appear alongside hydrators to keep skin comfortable, while still delivering their brightening, smoothing, and resurfacing benefits.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025
These medications are up to 20 times stronger than over-the-counter retinols and can increase collagen production, speed up the skin’s natural regeneration process, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce acne.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 10 Oct. 2025
A’pieu’s Mint Hair Vinegar is a Korean take on the traditional vinegar rinse, blending mint extract and vinegar to exfoliate the scalp while restoring pH balance and shine.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Infused in cleansers, toners, and even essences, K-beauty’s exfoliating ingredients are often gentle and appear alongside hydrators to keep skin comfortable, while still delivering their brightening, smoothing, and resurfacing benefits.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025
These medications are up to 20 times stronger than over-the-counter retinols and can increase collagen production, speed up the skin’s natural regeneration process, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce acne.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 10 Oct. 2025
A’pieu’s Mint Hair Vinegar is a Korean take on the traditional vinegar rinse, blending mint extract and vinegar to exfoliate the scalp while restoring pH balance and shine.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 8 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 22 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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