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 sunscreen also contains phytic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin, offers a brightening touch, and enhances the efficacy of the formula’s antioxidants.
—
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 23 May 2025
Allantoin: This helps calm down any kind of skin irritation and promotes healing by subtly exfoliating.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 21 May 2025
The exfoliating acid is a game changer for acne-prone skin.
—Deanna Pai, Glamour, 20 May 2025
With three percent salicylic acid, the formula uses a high (yet generally well-tolerated) concentration of the ingredient, dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells to gently exfoliate the scalp.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Jenny Berg, Vogue, 23 May 2025
Allantoin: This helps calm down any kind of skin irritation and promotes healing by subtly exfoliating.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 21 May 2025
The exfoliating acid is a game changer for acne-prone skin.
—Deanna Pai, Glamour, 20 May 2025
With three percent salicylic acid, the formula uses a high (yet generally well-tolerated) concentration of the ingredient, dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells to gently exfoliate the scalp.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 17 May 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 31 May. 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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