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
Stick to exfoliating just one to two times per week and choose chemical exfoliants like lactic acid over harsh physical scrubs.
—
Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
Like the restaurant, Toja draws on local traditions with a spa menu that includes invigorating pijat massages and exfoliating scrubs with rice, ginger, and candle nut.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
And, on a less efficacious, more aesthetic note, many of these natural exfoliating formulas often deliver the same sleek aesthetics in their packaging and experience as prestige skin-care products.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2026
This refreshing exfoliating toner clears out buildup that can exaggerate uneven texture, thanks to a 4-HA complex (AHA, BHA, PHA, LHA) that sweeps away dead skin cells without tipping into irritation.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026
At the same time, ceramides help reinforce the skin barrier so the exfoliating ingredients don’t leave skin feeling stripped or dry.
—Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026
Raw Silk Skincare Washcloths are an all-natural, reusable exfoliating cloth, designed for gently loosening up dead skin cells and makeup.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
Commonly grown as multi-trunked specimens, the exfoliating bark takes center stage in winter with peeling layers of cinnamon-brown.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
Then, follow it up with a bland, gentle moisturizer free of exfoliating actives—this will help hydrate the skin, and protect against dryness.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
Like the restaurant, Toja draws on local traditions with a spa menu that includes invigorating pijat massages and exfoliating scrubs with rice, ginger, and candle nut.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
And, on a less efficacious, more aesthetic note, many of these natural exfoliating formulas often deliver the same sleek aesthetics in their packaging and experience as prestige skin-care products.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2026
This refreshing exfoliating toner clears out buildup that can exaggerate uneven texture, thanks to a 4-HA complex (AHA, BHA, PHA, LHA) that sweeps away dead skin cells without tipping into irritation.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Mar. 2026
At the same time, ceramides help reinforce the skin barrier so the exfoliating ingredients don’t leave skin feeling stripped or dry.
—Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026
Raw Silk Skincare Washcloths are an all-natural, reusable exfoliating cloth, designed for gently loosening up dead skin cells and makeup.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
Commonly grown as multi-trunked specimens, the exfoliating bark takes center stage in winter with peeling layers of cinnamon-brown.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
Then, follow it up with a bland, gentle moisturizer free of exfoliating actives—this will help hydrate the skin, and protect against dryness.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliating
Verb
-
Looking toward the horizon, the American backyard is undergoing a radical transformation, shedding the high-maintenance, rigid aesthetics of the past in favor of something far more soulful and secluded.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Natasha Lyonne is shedding light on the circumstances that led to her being escorted off a recent flight to NYC and what happened after.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Egg freshness is one of the biggest factors in peeling the shell.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
3 Apr. 2026
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His dread turned to panic when Hochheiser, 79, was unloaded at Villa Rosa III, a 48-bed assisted living home with peeling paint, burglar bars, barren planters and a history of poor care.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Gentle exfoliation is key to sloughing off winter buildup and revealing fresh, radiant skin.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
-
With the same concept as an exfoliating serum for your face—tackling hyperpigmentation, sloughing off patchy texture, controlling acne, and improving overall skin tone—exfoliation has gone full body with everything from sprays to buffing bars and serums.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliating. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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