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 attendant immediately got to business aggressively exfoliating my body with an abrasive towel.
—
Anna Haines, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
Along with a full cleanse, exfoliating peel, deep hydration, LED massage and manual facial massage to lift and smooth, three rose-cut diamonds are applied to chakra points in the face and throat during the treatment.
—Kate Matthams, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
When combined with a hydrating face serum, your skin is less likely to feel stripped or flaky when using these exfoliating ingredients.
—Claire Sullivan, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025
This body wash contains exfoliating cellulose, an eco-friendly alternative to microplastic beads.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Anna Haines, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
Along with a full cleanse, exfoliating peel, deep hydration, LED massage and manual facial massage to lift and smooth, three rose-cut diamonds are applied to chakra points in the face and throat during the treatment.
—Kate Matthams, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
When combined with a hydrating face serum, your skin is less likely to feel stripped or flaky when using these exfoliating ingredients.
—Claire Sullivan, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025
This body wash contains exfoliating cellulose, an eco-friendly alternative to microplastic beads.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 13 Mar. 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 18 Apr. 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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