as in shedding
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 exfoliating
When exfoliating, be gentle with your skin and use upward circles to avoid stretching and pulling at your skin.
—
Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
Double-cleanse with Aprilskin cleansing balm, Eminence daily exfoliating cleanser, Thayer’s toner, Glow Recipe blackberry retinol, and Farmacy honey halo moisturizer.
—R29 Team, Refinery29, 26 Sep. 2025
The best clarifying shampoo can completely transform a lackluster shower routine, deep cleansing hair, exfoliating the scalp, and banishing excess oils and product buildup that leave strands flat, dull, or frizz-prone.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
To prevent staining your hands, wash them immediately after applying self-tanner, and treat them like you would the rest of your body with an exfoliating mitt if any color lingers.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 23 Sep. 2025
The Harvest Grapeseed Ritual begins with a dry brush and exfoliating scrub, followed by a rich body butter and a glass of Elusa Cabernet Sauvignon.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
If breakouts are a concern, a toner that includes gentle exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid can keep pores clear and refine skin texture.
—Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Adult skincare often contains ingredients that may irritate young skin, like fragrances, exfoliating acids, and topical retinol, derms say.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Aug. 2025
Packed with moisturizing and gently exfoliating ingredients, this face cream is a dream for mature skin.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 26 Aug. 2025
Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
Double-cleanse with Aprilskin cleansing balm, Eminence daily exfoliating cleanser, Thayer’s toner, Glow Recipe blackberry retinol, and Farmacy honey halo moisturizer.
—R29 Team, Refinery29, 26 Sep. 2025
The best clarifying shampoo can completely transform a lackluster shower routine, deep cleansing hair, exfoliating the scalp, and banishing excess oils and product buildup that leave strands flat, dull, or frizz-prone.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
To prevent staining your hands, wash them immediately after applying self-tanner, and treat them like you would the rest of your body with an exfoliating mitt if any color lingers.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 23 Sep. 2025
The Harvest Grapeseed Ritual begins with a dry brush and exfoliating scrub, followed by a rich body butter and a glass of Elusa Cabernet Sauvignon.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
If breakouts are a concern, a toner that includes gentle exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid can keep pores clear and refine skin texture.
—Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Adult skincare often contains ingredients that may irritate young skin, like fragrances, exfoliating acids, and topical retinol, derms say.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Aug. 2025
Packed with moisturizing and gently exfoliating ingredients, this face cream is a dream for mature skin.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 26 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliating
Verb
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On Friday, Schottenheimer spoke to reporters and explained his decision, shedding light on his relationship with Diggs heading into Week 5 against the New York Jets.—
Cole Sullivan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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Even with the old four-corner chicane removed to quicken the final sector, this remains one of the sport’s most physical tests with drivers often shedding 4 to 8 pounds over the two-hour race.—
Jenny Catlin,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Customers can participate by peeling back pieces on in-store items or through purchases from the McDonald's app.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Sep. 2025
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How To Properly Wash Onions Wash onions under cool running water, whether before or after peeling (or both).—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliating. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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