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
It: La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 pairs the brightening power of kojic acid with exfoliating glycolic acid to target dark spots and smooth rough patches.
—
Deanna Pai, Allure, 12 Mar. 2025
Plus, maca root extract protects against free radical damage, while lactic acid gently exfoliates.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025
The latest, a lightweight, milky serum, pulls triple duty as its formulated with aloe vera water, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid and Vitamin C to exfoliate, brighten and hydrate skin.
—Jackie Fields, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
Native to southeastern woodlands, oakleaf hydrangeas have vibrant fall color and attractive, exfoliating bark.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exfoliate
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Deanna Pai, Allure, 12 Mar. 2025
Plus, maca root extract protects against free radical damage, while lactic acid gently exfoliates.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025
The latest, a lightweight, milky serum, pulls triple duty as its formulated with aloe vera water, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid and Vitamin C to exfoliate, brighten and hydrate skin.
—Jackie Fields, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
Native to southeastern woodlands, oakleaf hydrangeas have vibrant fall color and attractive, exfoliating bark.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 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 21 Mar. 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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