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
The formula relies on a trio of exfoliating acids—beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid), polyhydroxy acid (gluconolactone), and lipohydroxy acid (a gentler salicylic acid derivative)—to gently loosen dead skin, decongest pores, and smooth the scalp.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
Among the hero ingredients are those Renna also used — propolis, royal jelly and honey — in addition to more modern exfoliating acids, moisturizers and the like.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 27 May 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, 22 May 2026
An InStyle writer found the Daily Nourish Body Lotion from AmLactin to be a gentle, skin-exfoliating lotion that addresses anti-aging concerns.
—Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 22 May 2026
There are also factors within your skin care routine that can cause razor bumps, from using a dull blade to not exfoliating correctly beforehand.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 18 May 2026
The treatments begin with a scalp analysis under a microscope, followed by exfoliating, steaming, cleansing and massage steps designed to improve scalp health and hair shine.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Clean And Degrease Hair Baking soda's exfoliating properties can help remove residues in your hair.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
Infuse coffee grounds into your favorite homemade bar soap for an exfoliating effect.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
Among the hero ingredients are those Renna also used — propolis, royal jelly and honey — in addition to more modern exfoliating acids, moisturizers and the like.
—James Manso, Footwear News, 27 May 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, 22 May 2026
An InStyle writer found the Daily Nourish Body Lotion from AmLactin to be a gentle, skin-exfoliating lotion that addresses anti-aging concerns.
—Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 22 May 2026
There are also factors within your skin care routine that can cause razor bumps, from using a dull blade to not exfoliating correctly beforehand.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 18 May 2026
The treatments begin with a scalp analysis under a microscope, followed by exfoliating, steaming, cleansing and massage steps designed to improve scalp health and hair shine.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Clean And Degrease Hair Baking soda's exfoliating properties can help remove residues in your hair.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
Infuse coffee grounds into your favorite homemade bar soap for an exfoliating effect.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliating
Verb
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Cats become infected by eating raw meat, birds, mice or contaminated soil, and only cats that are actively shedding parasites in their stool can spread it.—
Dr. Megan Yanny,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
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The new research, shedding light on one of history's most infamous Arctic tragedies, was led by researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
30 May 2026
Verb
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If the wood is too rough or has existing stain, paint, or sealer that is peeling, then light sanding may be required.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
29 May 2026
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While the basket’s outer material looks like wicker, it’s actually made of polypropylene resin, known for its durability, low maintenance, and UV- and water-resistant properties that prevent rusting, peeling, and fading.—
Rebecca Jones,
Southern Living,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Digging around Amazon led me to a skin-sloughing solution.—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
22 May 2026
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After sloughing off his final semester the first time around at USC, Lee needed at least three B’s and two A’s.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliating. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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