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 hero behind the groundbreaking collection is Skin Activator Technology that delivers microdosed mandelic acid (AHA) to gently exfoliate and encapsulated centella asiatica (CICA) to soothe, hydrate and go deep into the surface skin layers to activate the senescent cells.
—
Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
And its gentle formula of exfoliating sugars and nourishing coconut and sunflower oils is made in small batches in the US.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
The beauty ingredient is known for helping exfoliate skin and improve collagen production, which typically results in brighter skin and diminished fine lines and hyper pigmentation.
—Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
These noise-canceling bluetooth wireless earbuds are a whopping 86 percent off, while popular finds like this Pink Sands scent from Yankee Candle and these exfoliating face wipes are practically being given away.
—Shalwah Evans, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
And its gentle formula of exfoliating sugars and nourishing coconut and sunflower oils is made in small batches in the US.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
The beauty ingredient is known for helping exfoliate skin and improve collagen production, which typically results in brighter skin and diminished fine lines and hyper pigmentation.
—Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
These noise-canceling bluetooth wireless earbuds are a whopping 86 percent off, while popular finds like this Pink Sands scent from Yankee Candle and these exfoliating face wipes are practically being given away.
—Shalwah Evans, People.com, 31 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 23 Sep. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share