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

This is thanks to Manucurist’s nourishing formula, which includes antioxidant-rich beetroot extract, exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and strengthening hexanal to prevent breakage. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026

An InStyle writer found the Daily Nourish Body Lotion from AmLactin to be a gentle, skin-exfoliating lotion that addresses anti-aging concerns. —Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 22 May 2026

Reliable salicylic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells and tightens the look of pores while time-tested, calming K-beauty favorites, such as cica, mugwort, and artemisia powder—which can kill off acne-causing bacteria—help leave skin looking softer and smoother. —Sarah Felbin, Allure, 20 May 2026

There are also factors within your skin care routine that can cause razor bumps, from using a dull blade to not exfoliating correctly beforehand. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 18 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