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

Learning how to exfoliate your face is important to any skin-care routine. —Jamie Wilson, Glamour, 8 Aug. 2024

The stars of the show are exfoliating salicylic acid and anti-bacterial tea tree oil, along with anti-inflammatory witch hazel. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 6 Aug. 2024

For the best exfoliating shampoos, consider the Ceremonia Papaya Scalp Scrub Shampoo and Goop G.Tox Himalayan Salt Scalp Scrub Shampoo. —Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 24 July 2024

Designed to exfoliate the skin and help with product absorption, this brush will be a real game-changer in your skincare routine. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 18 July 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