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

The treatments begin with a scalp analysis under a microscope, followed by exfoliating, steaming, cleansing and massage steps designed to improve scalp health and hair shine. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026

Clean And Degrease Hair Baking soda's exfoliating properties can help remove residues in your hair. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 May 2026

Get rid of textured, flaky skin with these $15 deep exfoliating gloves, then grab this hair dryer and diffuser from internet-famous brand Wavytalk for major hair volume. —Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026

Infuse coffee grounds into your favorite homemade bar soap for an exfoliating effect. —Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 9 May 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