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
But don’t fret: An easy and great way to increase radiance and fade hyperpigmentation is to find an exfoliating product like Kiehl’s Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner, recommended by Dr. Rambhia.
—
Siena Gagliano, Allure, 23 Jan. 2025
This exfoliating scalp treatment contains salicylic acid to help give my scalp a bit of a detox, and reduce excess oil and sebum.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2025
The water and steam allow the dirt on my scalp to loosen while the scalp massage gently exfoliates.
—Essence, 14 Jan. 2025
In the scene depicted, Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is removing a mask-like exfoliating skin treatment while musing on both his extensive moisturizing routine and his lack of connection to humanity.
—Nathan Kamal, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
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Siena Gagliano, Allure, 23 Jan. 2025
This exfoliating scalp treatment contains salicylic acid to help give my scalp a bit of a detox, and reduce excess oil and sebum.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2025
The water and steam allow the dirt on my scalp to loosen while the scalp massage gently exfoliates.
—Essence, 14 Jan. 2025
In the scene depicted, Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) is removing a mask-like exfoliating skin treatment while musing on both his extensive moisturizing routine and his lack of connection to humanity.
—Nathan Kamal, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for exfoliate
Dictionary Entries Near exfoliate
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exfoliate. Accessed 1 Feb. 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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