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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of exfoliates
Reliable salicylic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells and tightens the look of pores while time-tested, calming K-beauty favorites, such as cica, mugwort, and artemisia powder—which can kill off acne-causing bacteria—help leave skin looking softer and smoother.
—
Sarah Felbin, Allure, 20 May 2026
Instead of relying purely on hydration, this formula includes salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates and keeps pores clear so that breakouts don’t come back.
—Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026
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
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 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
Sarah Felbin, Allure, 20 May 2026
Instead of relying purely on hydration, this formula includes salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates and keeps pores clear so that breakouts don’t come back.
—Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026
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
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 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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Now, a new study sheds light on which degree paths provide the strongest employment prospects in an economy increasingly shaped by automation and AI.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2026
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Besides Dara’s statement, what TJ says about his own father sheds some light on West.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Burden of Justice peels back the polished surface of Stockholm’s elite law firms to reveal a world where desperation, ambition, and moral compromise simmer just beneath the surface.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
8 June 2026
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Blending sharp humor, irreverent games and unexpected twists, each episode peels back the polished layers of today’s most talked about talent to reveal the human behind the fame… and no topic is off-limits.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliates. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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