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.