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
To exfoliate limbs and cleanse yourself in the process, go with Soft Services’ Green Banana Buffing Bar.
—
Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 30 Dec. 2024
These creams can reduce itching, protect the skin barrier, and exfoliate the skin.
—Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 25 Dec. 2024
Packed with squalane to lock in moisture and Japanese peach extract to help gently exfoliate, this soft jelly-texture mask melts into your lips with a non-sticky feel.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Dec. 2024
On the other side, a smooth and soft microfiber polishes the skin while gently exfoliating the pores.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for exfoliate 
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Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 30 Dec. 2024
These creams can reduce itching, protect the skin barrier, and exfoliate the skin.
—Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 25 Dec. 2024
Packed with squalane to lock in moisture and Japanese peach extract to help gently exfoliate, this soft jelly-texture mask melts into your lips with a non-sticky feel.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Dec. 2024
On the other side, a smooth and soft microfiber polishes the skin while gently exfoliating the pores.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for exfoliate
Dictionary Entries Near exfoliate
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exfoliate. Accessed 18 Jan. 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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