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
Inspired by Korean aqua peel facials, this lightweight serum gently exfoliates while flooding skin with hydration, thanks to a lineup of K-beauty favorites.
—
Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Jan. 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
Infused with marine plant extracts, this scrub stick not only exfoliates dead skin cells and removes blackheads but also nourishes and hydrates your skin.
—Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024
Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Jan. 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
Infused with marine plant extracts, this scrub stick not only exfoliates dead skin cells and removes blackheads but also nourishes and hydrates your skin.
—Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliates
Verb
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For instance, Mars in Aries injects you with explosive momentum, but its shift into Taurus (May 18) — followed by intense pressure from Pluto (May 25) — sheds light on where impatience, control issues or fear of loss is sabotaging your progress.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
26 Jan. 2026
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New information from two fresh leaks sheds light on Samsung’s exact launch schedule and reveals when shoppers can pre-order the Galaxy S26.—
Janhoi McGregor,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Low tides offer a look as the ocean peels back to give people a glimpse at the critters and plant life usually underwater.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
31 Dec. 2025
-
Though the show peels back a layer or two in every episode, Barrera’s character remains a bit of a cipher.—
Sofía Tafich,
Vogue,
22 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliates. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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