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

• molt
• shed
• slip
• slough
• sluff

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

No fancy serums, no exfoliating acids—just clean skin, the mask, and vibes. —Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 1 May 2025

Consider Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure to exfoliate and remove the top layer of skin. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2025

For example, acne-prone skin likes lightweight, oil-free formulas with exfoliating acids. —Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 25 Apr. 2025

The sauna doesn’t replace an exfoliating body treatment or a facial, but can be a great tool to accompany other skin treatments, even DIY ones. —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 16 Apr. 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