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

Mims begins by cleansing my face, before going in with the bells and whistles: an exfoliating treatment, extractions, and a sculpting massage—featuring Epi. —Annie Blay, Allure, 11 Apr. 2024

By exfoliating the skin, the lactic acid works to cut surface oil, brighten dullness, even out uneven tone, fade hyperpigmentation, and smooth skin texture. —Danielle Cohen, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2024

With exfoliating cinnamon-brown bark and fragrant white flower clusters, what’s not to love? —Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, 7 Apr. 2024

Kapoor explained lip scrubs exfoliate the skin, specifically the stratum corneum. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024

The cleanser features a mix of exfoliating acids that refine and retexturize your pores while still being gentle enough to use twice daily. —Alena Hall, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2024

Self-tanners work by dyeing the dead cells on the surface of the skin; for best results, teenagers and others should exfoliate before applying an even layer of the lotion, cream, or spray. —Keyvan Nouri, M.d., Jessica Cervantes and John Tsatalis, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

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

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