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 the step where active ingredients such as retinoids or exfoliating acids may be introduced carefully. —Allison Palmer updated February 25, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026

Want to dive right in with a vibrating skin brush that can exfoliate dead skin cells and deep-clean your pores? —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026

In the bathroom, a standalone shower and a bath, in a separate room to the toilet, as well as genuinely lovely own-brand products including an exfoliating body wash. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026

Madecassoside and allantoin calm irritation that can contribute to shedding, while salicylic acid gently exfoliates buildup. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 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