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 bear even takes time to exfoliate, using what appears to be a concrete barrier to scratch its back. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Prescription and over-the-counter skin products, especially retinoids, exfoliating acids, acne treatments, and lightening products. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026

The brand’s kojic acid mask gently exfoliates to reveal brighter, softer skin. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 6 Oct. 2026

For more instant results, salicylic acid completes the trio by exfoliating away dead surface cells and pore-clogging buildup, helping refine the look of large pores standing between you and that aforementioned glassy glow. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 Oct. 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