as in sheds
to cast (a natural bodily covering or appendage) aside
a soap that promises to help me exfoliate all that dry, flaky skin I've apparently been carrying around
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Recent Examples of exfoliates
Cetaphil Skin Activator Hydrating & Firming Cream The cream is formulated with mandelic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid or AHA), which gently exfoliates the surface layer of skin to support skin cell turnover, while centella asiatica helps soothe and strengthen the natural skin barrier.
—
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Madecassoside and allantoin calm irritation that can contribute to shedding, while salicylic acid gently exfoliates buildup.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
The bestselling Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub gently exfoliates the scalp while washing away dirt, oil, styling products and buildup.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
This gentle glycolic serum has salicylic acid (which exfoliates), and raspberry fruit extract (which soothes skin and protects it from free radicals).
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 25 Dec. 2025
This natural-bristle dry brush gently exfoliates skin before soaking, stimulating circulation and encouraging smooth, glowing skin.
—Jené Luciani Sena , Caitlyn Martyn
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Finally, gluconolactone gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells.
—Venus Wong, Refinery29, 14 Aug. 2025
Salicylic acid, which exfoliates the skin's surface and helps to remove oil from pores.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
The water and steam allow the dirt on my scalp to loosen while the scalp massage gently exfoliates.
—Essence, 14 Jan. 2025
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
Madecassoside and allantoin calm irritation that can contribute to shedding, while salicylic acid gently exfoliates buildup.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Feb. 2026
The bestselling Peppermint Avocado Scalp Scrub gently exfoliates the scalp while washing away dirt, oil, styling products and buildup.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
This gentle glycolic serum has salicylic acid (which exfoliates), and raspberry fruit extract (which soothes skin and protects it from free radicals).
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 25 Dec. 2025
This natural-bristle dry brush gently exfoliates skin before soaking, stimulating circulation and encouraging smooth, glowing skin.
—Jené Luciani Sena , Caitlyn Martyn
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Finally, gluconolactone gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells.
—Venus Wong, Refinery29, 14 Aug. 2025
Salicylic acid, which exfoliates the skin's surface and helps to remove oil from pores.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
The water and steam allow the dirt on my scalp to loosen while the scalp massage gently exfoliates.
—Essence, 14 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliates
Verb
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The research also sheds light on the South Pole–Aitken basin, the Moon’s largest and oldest known impact crater, spanning about 1,550 miles across the far side.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Mar. 2026
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The pieces knit together to form a cast iron surface that sheds water, smothers weeds and holds up for a long time.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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These are all native plants, but there are also non-native options such as paperbark maple (Acer griseum), with coppery bark that peels decoratively.—
Beth Botts,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
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Winter showcases the exfoliating bark, which peels away to reveal strips of gray, orange, and brick red.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliates. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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