exfoliates

present tense third-person singular of exfoliate
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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of exfoliates In addition to both hydrating and protecting, the fragrance-free lip balm Experiment Softwear also exfoliates the lips thanks to a gentle form of alpha hydroxy acid. Lindy Segal, Glamour, 8 Sep. 2026 More than 100,000 of them just bought these Medicube toner pads, a K-beauty staple that gently exfoliates the skin, refines pores, and smooths skin texture for a more even complexion. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliates
Verb
  • An inquiry into the case’s effect on LAPD recruitment efforts is ongoing, but an internal investigation sheds new light on the unit at the center of a scandal.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The University of East Anglia announced the new research, which sheds light on the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, in August.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • As autumn progresses, the husk peels back, revealing the orange berries.
    Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Nordic noir suggests the presence of violence and hatred beneath the tranquillity and order of the Scandinavian welfare state, just as Southern noir peels back hospitality and charm to reveal repressed family secrets and moral decay.
    Peter C. Baker, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exfoliates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliates. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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