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

Plus, the dual-sided pads feature a smooth gel side for plumping and a textured side for an exfoliating boost. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2025

This serum blends pore-tightening lacto exosomes plus AHA, BHA, and PHA to exfoliate away dead skin cells in a spicule format. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Dec. 2025

Each pad is soaked in a gentle exfoliating essence that leaves skin smooth, balanced, and glowing after every swipe. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2025

Start with a full-body exfoliating scrub, followed by a tension-melting massage. —Caitlin Gunther, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025

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