The present invention relates to the use of citrus fruit pieces, obtained by controlled osmotic dehydration of said citrus fruit in a sugar syrup, for mechanically exfoliating dead cells from the epidermis of the skin of a person. Said citrus fruit pieces include the peel and/or epicarp of said citrus fruit and have a furocoumarin compound content of less than 50 ppm. The invention also relates to a cosmetic care method intended for skin exfoliation, said method including the steps to involve: applying, onto the skin of a person, citrus fruit pieces obtained by controlled osmotic dehydration of said citrus fruit in a sugar syrup, said citrus fruit pieces including the peel and/or epicarp of said citrus fruit and having a furocoumarin compound content of less than 50 ppm； massaging the skin that is covered by said pieces by rubbing the surface of the skin so as to mechanically exfoliate the dead cells located thereon； and rinsing or wiping the skin in order to remove the candied citrus fruit pieces and the exfoliated dead cells.
