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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Recent Examples of exfoliating
Formula is sticky If many exfoliating facial toners feel too intense, this one is a calmer alternative.
—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 21 Jan. 2026
The best way to avoid streaking is to prepare your skin before application by exfoliating and moisturizing dry spots.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Beauty editors wax lyrical about Tatcha The Texture Tonic AHA Liquid Exfoliating Treatment with exfoliating glycolic acid and soothing Japanese mugwort, and Beauty of Joseon Refreshing Toner, with glycolic acid and moisturizing glycerin.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 20 Jan. 2026
This is thanks to Manucurist’s nourishing formula, which includes antioxidant-rich beetroot extract, exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and strengthening hexanal to prevent breakage.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026
Growth factors work slowly to transform your skin, unlike harsher, faster-acting actives like exfoliating acids and retinoids.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2026
Unlike exfoliating or brightening serums that focus on changing the surface, these formulas work on prioritizing comfort and recovery over instant glow.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Jan. 2026
This gentle exfoliating cleanser combines fruit enzymes and AHAs to smooth texture and brighten skin without over-drying.
—Colleen Sullivan, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
The executive is looking to bring the Kate Somerville brand back to a strong position by leaning into its clinical roots and exalting its hero ExfoliKate line of cleansers and treatments, priced between $46 for a foaming wash and $85 for an exfoliating treatment.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 30 Dec. 2025
Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 21 Jan. 2026
The best way to avoid streaking is to prepare your skin before application by exfoliating and moisturizing dry spots.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Beauty editors wax lyrical about Tatcha The Texture Tonic AHA Liquid Exfoliating Treatment with exfoliating glycolic acid and soothing Japanese mugwort, and Beauty of Joseon Refreshing Toner, with glycolic acid and moisturizing glycerin.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 20 Jan. 2026
This is thanks to Manucurist’s nourishing formula, which includes antioxidant-rich beetroot extract, exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and strengthening hexanal to prevent breakage.
—Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026
Growth factors work slowly to transform your skin, unlike harsher, faster-acting actives like exfoliating acids and retinoids.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2026
Unlike exfoliating or brightening serums that focus on changing the surface, these formulas work on prioritizing comfort and recovery over instant glow.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Jan. 2026
This gentle exfoliating cleanser combines fruit enzymes and AHAs to smooth texture and brighten skin without over-drying.
—Colleen Sullivan, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
The executive is looking to bring the Kate Somerville brand back to a strong position by leaning into its clinical roots and exalting its hero ExfoliKate line of cleansers and treatments, priced between $46 for a foaming wash and $85 for an exfoliating treatment.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliating
Verb
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Before that fiery momentum goes into effect, however, there’s still shedding to be done, whether that be a specific pattern or a mindset shift.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
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Viviscal’s formula is a favorite among shoppers, who swear it’s filled in sparse spots and prevented shedding—quickly.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Dry winter air can leave you with cracked, peeling skin, gritty eyes, and a scratchy throat.—
Abby Norman,
Verywell Health,
30 Jan. 2026
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Paint is peeling from the walls, the layout is awkward, and the atmosphere isn't helped by stark fluorescent lights and hospital-like tiles on the floor.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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So, on Thursday night’s show Kimmel doubled-down once again, sloughing off the latest attack from the leader of the free world on his late night comedy show.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
21 Nov. 2025
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Skincare, after all, begins precisely with one’s choice of cleanser, setting the stage for clean, glowing skin by morning and sloughing away the day’s impurities by night.—
Beatrice Zocchi,
Vogue,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliating. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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