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
Ouai Detox Shampoo is formulated with key ingredients, including apple cider vinegar, to exfoliate and remove dirt, oil and product buildup, as well as chelating agents to help wash away hard water deposits.
—
Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2025
This mist delivers a hit of hydration with squalane and apple extract to soften and smooth dryness, while white willow bark gently exfoliates to keep skin clear and glowing.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Aug. 2025
The Sol Beso Facial, which is ideal for after sun care, uses fresh cucumbers to cleanse the face, papaya and rice to exfoliate, as well as aloe vera to soothe and hydrate.
—Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
The formula delivers a cooling surge of peppermint and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate loose flakes and soothe irritation.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2025
This mist delivers a hit of hydration with squalane and apple extract to soften and smooth dryness, while white willow bark gently exfoliates to keep skin clear and glowing.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Aug. 2025
The Sol Beso Facial, which is ideal for after sun care, uses fresh cucumbers to cleanse the face, papaya and rice to exfoliate, as well as aloe vera to soothe and hydrate.
—Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
The formula delivers a cooling surge of peppermint and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate loose flakes and soothe irritation.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Aug. 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 27 Aug. 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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