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
These small but mighty pads help exfoliate and refine large pores, all while leaving you with smooth skin in the process.
—
Katrina Cossey, Parents, 7 July 2025
Potato Potatoes contain starch and sugar, which help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells and encourage new cell growth.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 June 2025
Basically, one side to gently exfoliate and one side to add moisture back.
—Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 5 June 2025
An exfoliating body brick that was a tad too harsh?
—Kelli Acciardo, Allure, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Katrina Cossey, Parents, 7 July 2025
Potato Potatoes contain starch and sugar, which help exfoliate and remove dead skin cells and encourage new cell growth.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 June 2025
Basically, one side to gently exfoliate and one side to add moisture back.
—Jenifer Calle, Glamour, 5 June 2025
An exfoliating body brick that was a tad too harsh?
—Kelli Acciardo, Allure, 24 June 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 19 Jul. 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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