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

• molt
• shed
• slip
• slough
• sluff

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

This gentle exfoliating cleanser from The Seaweed Co. lifts every layer of product off without roughing up my skin underneath. —Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 30 Mar. 2024

Finally, for those who have product buildup—dedicated dry-shampoo users among them—Shaver recommends using the scalp massager with an exfoliating scalp product or a treatment with salicylic acid. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2024

Each of those two products contains exfoliating acids, which the dermatologists interviewed said are among the most problematic ingredients for young people, along with retinoids. —Katie Mogg, NBC News, 29 Feb. 2024

For people with acne, this facial treatment features the all-important 2% salicylic acid as well as several other exfoliating acids. —Alena Hall, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2024

Hora – Overnight Exfoliating Mask In this sleek black jar lie 422 mg of CBD, which help the exfoliating mask hydrate, protect and rejuvenate even the driest of faces. —Erin Michelle Newberg, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

To target breakouts, each pad is rich in exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid and wasabi extract. —Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 17 Jan. 2024

What is the best thing to exfoliate your body with? —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 20 Mar. 2024

These 9 products will help exfoliate dead skin cells to unleash that inner glow. —Essence, 18 Mar. 2024

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

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