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
On top of that, tartaric acid gently exfoliates to clear pores and balance the skin’s pH level.
—
Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 21 Apr. 2025
Seeing formulations on the market that contain vitamin C plus an exfoliating acid or other active ingredient?
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
It is also known for its antibacterial and exfoliating properties.
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025
Together, these ingredients exfoliate, accelerate cell turnover to fade discoloration, and significantly brighten skin—fast.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 21 Apr. 2025
Seeing formulations on the market that contain vitamin C plus an exfoliating acid or other active ingredient?
—Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
It is also known for its antibacterial and exfoliating properties.
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025
Together, these ingredients exfoliate, accelerate cell turnover to fade discoloration, and significantly brighten skin—fast.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Apr. 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 25 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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