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
Cetaphil Skin Activator Hydrating & Firming Cream The cream is formulated with mandelic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid or AHA), which gently exfoliates the surface layer of skin to support skin cell turnover, while centella asiatica helps soothe and strengthen the natural skin barrier.
—
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
Over-exfoliating already dry skin can worsen irritation and increase water loss.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 5 Feb. 2026
It’s formulated with lactic acid to exfoliate dry skin and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate your complexion.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
If needed, use a damp cloth to exfoliate your lips before applying your preparatory balm.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
Over-exfoliating already dry skin can worsen irritation and increase water loss.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 5 Feb. 2026
It’s formulated with lactic acid to exfoliate dry skin and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate your complexion.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026
If needed, use a damp cloth to exfoliate your lips before applying your preparatory balm.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exfoliate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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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