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

The formula relies on a trio of exfoliating acids—beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid), polyhydroxy acid (gluconolactone), and lipohydroxy acid (a gentler salicylic acid derivative)—to gently loosen dead skin, decongest pores, and smooth the scalp. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026

Among the hero ingredients are those Renna also used — propolis, royal jelly and honey — in addition to more modern exfoliating acids, moisturizers and the like. —James Manso, Footwear News, 27 May 2026

This is thanks to Manucurist’s nourishing formula, which includes antioxidant-rich beetroot extract, exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and strengthening hexanal to prevent breakage. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026

An InStyle writer found the Daily Nourish Body Lotion from AmLactin to be a gentle, skin-exfoliating lotion that addresses anti-aging concerns. —Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 22 May 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