Korean Dictionary
How to say "Exfoliation" in Korean
“Exfoliation” in Korean is 각질 제거 (pronounced "gakjil jegeo").
각질 제거
gakjil jegeo
Usage & Context
각질 제거 is the removal of dead skin cells to reveal brighter smoother skin. Korean exfoliation methods include chemical exfoliants with AHA BHA and PHA acids as well as physical scrubs. The iconic Korean Italy towel (이태리 타월) used in Korean bathhouses is a beloved scrubbing tool for full-body 각질 제거.
Example Sentence
주 1-2회 각질 제거를 하면 피부가 더 밝아져요.
Exfoliating 1-2 times a week makes the skin brighter.
How to use 각질 제거 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Exfoliation” is 각질 제거, romanized as gakjil jegeo.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 각질 제거.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce "gak-jil" like "gock-jeel" (gock as in 'rock' but with a 'g', jeel as in 'feel'). "Je-geo" sounds like "jeh-guh" (jeh as in 'jet', guh as in 'gut'). The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Describing a visit to a skin clinic for a professional treatment.
피부과에서 각질 제거 시술을 받았어요.
I got an exfoliation treatment at the dermatologist.
Giving skincare advice about frequency of exfoliation.
건조한 계절에는 각질 제거를 너무 자주 하면 안 돼요.
You shouldn't exfoliate too often in dry seasons.
Recounting a satisfying experience at a Korean bathhouse.
이태리 타월로 온몸 각질 제거를 시원하게 했어요.
I had a refreshing full-body exfoliation with an Italy towel.
Cultural Context
각질 제거 is a cornerstone of K-beauty, emphasizing smooth, clear skin. The 'Italy towel' (이태리 타월) is a classic, rough scrubbing mitt found in Korean bathhouses (목욕탕, 찜질방) for vigorous full-body exfoliation, a truly iconic and sometimes intense experience. Many K-dramas feature characters visiting jjimjilbangs where such exfoliation is common, highlighting its place in Korean daily life.
Editorial note
We review entries like 각질 제거 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
각질 제거제
Exfoliator (product)
각질이 쌓이다
Dead skin cells accumulate
주기적인 각질 제거
Regular exfoliation
Related Expressions
스크럽
seukeurap
Scrub (physical exfoliant)
필링
pilling
Peeling (chemical exfoliant, often gel type)
이태리 타월
itaeri tawol
Italy towel (Korean scrubbing mitt)
피부 관리
pibu gwalli
Skin care (broader term)
More Beauty & Skincare Words
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