exfoliate

verb

ex·​fo·​li·​ate (ˌ)eks-ˈfō-lē-ˌāt 

exfoliated; exfoliating

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

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

exfoliation

(ˌ)eks-ˌfō-lē-ˈā-shən 

noun

exfoliative

eks-ˈfō-lē-ˌā-tiv 

adjective

Synonyms of exfoliate

• shed
• peel

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

Best chemical exfoliator These viral exfoliating pads are soaked in a blend of AHAs and BHAs to gently sweep away dead skin and excess oil. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 31 July 2026

Spicules can boost ingredient absorption, exfoliate the surface and trigger a mild repair response that supports collagen production and cell turnover over time. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026

But that’s not the case whatsoever, thanks to a proprietary blend of four types of cica that actively calms skin while the acids exfoliate. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 27 July 2026

The $18 formula contains vitamin C to brighten the skin and glycolic acid to lightly exfoliate and tighten. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin exfoliatus, past participle of exfoliare to strip of leaves, from Latin ex- + folium leaf — more at blade

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for exfoliate

• trifoliate

Medical Definition

exfoliate

verb

ex·​fo·​li·​ate -ˈfō-lē-ˌāt 

exfoliated; exfoliating

transitive verb

1

: to cast off in scales or laminae

2

: to remove the surface of in scales or laminae

3

: to shed (teeth) by exfoliation

intransitive verb

1

: to split into or give off scales, laminae, or body cells

2

: to come off in thin layers or scales : scale off