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

Before a big event, exfoliate, paying extra attention to areas prone to roughness or dryness, like elbows, knees and wrists. — Ellie Beeck, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2026

The benefits go well beyond clearing breakouts According to Very Well Health, salicylic acid delivers exfoliating, keratolytic and anti-inflammatory benefits. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026

Biossance’s Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum pairs it with exfoliating lactic acid to slough away the dry skin that exacerbates the appearance of wrinkles. — Emily Orofino, Allure, 15 Sep. 2026

Instead of sugar or salt, this scalp scrub counts on apricot seed to exfoliate and menthol to purify. — Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 14 Sep. 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