exfoliating

present participle of exfoliate
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

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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 exfoliating While a dry manicure is often confused with a Russian manicure, The Shade’s approach is rooted in the long-term sustainability of the nail, maintaining the nail bed and exfoliating the skin around the nail rather than aggressively cutting it back. Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Niacinamide lends additional barrier support, while mild exfoliating ingredients like phytic acid whisk away excess oil and buildup that can leave the scalp feeling itchy or uncomfortable. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026 The best moisturizers for strawberry skin combine nourishing ingredients with exfoliating properties to smooth, soften, and leave skin feeling its healthiest. Mary Honkus, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026 The biggest overnight mistakes include sleeping in makeup, skipping moisturizer, over-exfoliating, using SPF as a night cream and picking at pimples in bed. Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026 At the same time, glycolic acid—an exfoliating ingredient—helps renew skin by sloughing off dead skin cells and improving texture for a silky-smooth finish. Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 2 Aug. 2026 Best chemical exfoliator These viral exfoliating pads are soaked in a blend of AHAs and BHAs to gently sweep away dead skin and excess oil. Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 31 July 2026 The sheets are also coated in a gel essence for a smooth, seamless feel, which minimizes friction—making these the virtual opposite of an exfoliating pad. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 27 July 2026 The brand uses gourmand fragrances, soothing plant butters, exfoliating tropical fruit acids and nourishing oils to keep your skin and hair looking healthy, hydrated and smelling delicious. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliating
Verb
  • Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist and brand president of the Philip Kingsley Clinics and product ranges, has clients who stay awake long into the night, comparing photos before and after shedding events.
    Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2026
  • By shedding light on these dark corners, the observatory's mission, NASA said, will then reveal not just how the universe developed over time, but where it's headed.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • According to Chicago Public Schools, reports of peeling paint and possible mold in limited areas of the building were flagged earlier this month.
    Chris Tye, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The liner immediately started peeling, and algae formed at the top of the pool, with pieces of lining floating on top.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • At the same time, glycolic acid—an exfoliating ingredient—helps renew skin by sloughing off dead skin cells and improving texture for a silky-smooth finish.
    Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The leader of his country’s Socialist Party, Rama came to power in 2013, as Albania was still sloughing off its insular identity.
    Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Exfoliating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliating. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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