exfoliating

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 At-home chemical peels can help maintain certain results by exfoliating dead skin cells, smoothing texture, and gradually fading lingering discoloration. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026 Its formula combines peptides, niacinamide, and exfoliating lipohydroxy acid to help skin look smoother and brighter, while keeping it hydrated for hours. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026 Include this exfoliating cleanser in a self-care package with a soft headband, moisturizer, face towels, and other skincare favorites. — Ethan Stone october 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026 Prescription and over-the-counter skin products, especially retinoids, exfoliating acids, acne treatments, and lightening products. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026 For rougher skin, urea can also be paired with exfoliating ingredients such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, and AHAs for additional smoothing power. — Danielle James, Glamour, 25 Sep. 2026 Crepe myrtles are supposed to peel—in fact, gardeners prize the tree for its exfoliating bark. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Sep. 2026 Bowe advised using a gentle cleanser so skin does not feel squeaky-clean afterward, swapping gritty scrubs for hydrating exfoliating serums and skipping fragrances and essential oils. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026 By exfoliating skin, smoothing texture and softening fine lines, salicylic acid stimulates collagen production and supports the skin’s natural repair processes. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliating
  1. shedding
  2. peeling
  3. sloughing
Verb
  • In a state with some of the highest property taxes in the country, shedding these taxing bodies counts as low hanging fruit.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Oklahoma City is looking at a tax bill of $20 million this season even after shedding the contracts of Dort, Wiggins and Joe, but the fun is just beginning.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of shedding
Verb
  • A little heavy cream rounds it all out—no peeling, roasting, or blender required.
    — Rachel Gurjar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Surface of bottom shelf of the preparation tables near the fryers and grill are peeling creating a surface that is not smooth nor easily cleanable.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of peeling
Verb
  • Out toward the edge, the star would boil unstably, sloughing off outer layers and explosively ejecting mass.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 14 Sep. 2026
  • It’s also packed with a slew of cleansing agents that are known for effectively sloughing away gunk while being gentle enough not to damage the skin barrier.
    — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of sloughing

Browse Nearby Words

exfoliates
exfoliating
exhale
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Cite this Entry

“Exfoliating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliating. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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