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 nourishing formulas, which are typically infused with active ingredients like wrinkle-reducing retinol, firming peptides, and exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, can be game-changing additions for your body-care routine for targeting existing fine lines and preventing future sagging.
—
Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 29 Oct. 2024
It’s made with a sugar and coconut oil blend to smooth and moisturize after gently exfoliating your scalp or body.
—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024
The formula also boasts exfoliating salicylic acid, soothing menthol, conditioning rosemary oil, and anti-inflammatory ginger extract.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2024
This formula works as a two-in-one lip treatment, reviving dry lips with hyaluronic acid and shea butter while gently exfoliating them with papaya enzymes.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for exfoliate 
Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 29 Oct. 2024
It’s made with a sugar and coconut oil blend to smooth and moisturize after gently exfoliating your scalp or body.
—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024
The formula also boasts exfoliating salicylic acid, soothing menthol, conditioning rosemary oil, and anti-inflammatory ginger extract.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2024
This formula works as a two-in-one lip treatment, reviving dry lips with hyaluronic acid and shea butter while gently exfoliating them with papaya enzymes.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for exfoliate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exfoliate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Exfoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exfoliate. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
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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