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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Recent Examples of exfoliating
Similar to other exfoliating acids, mandelic acid gently dissolves the bonds between dead skin and the healthy skin underneath.
—
Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2025
The pumpkin powerhouse smoothing and exfoliating lip mask was a personal favorite, lasting for hours on our lips.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Infused in cleansers, toners, and even essences, K-beauty’s exfoliating ingredients are often gentle and appear alongside hydrators to keep skin comfortable, while still delivering their brightening, smoothing, and resurfacing benefits.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025
When exfoliating, be gentle with your skin and use upward circles to avoid stretching and pulling at your skin.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
Double-cleanse with Aprilskin cleansing balm, Eminence daily exfoliating cleanser, Thayer’s toner, Glow Recipe blackberry retinol, and Farmacy honey halo moisturizer.
—R29 Team, Refinery29, 26 Sep. 2025
To prevent staining your hands, wash them immediately after applying self-tanner, and treat them like you would the rest of your body with an exfoliating mitt if any color lingers.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 23 Sep. 2025
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
Harsh treatments include strong exfoliating acids or extractions.
—Sarah Bence, Otr/l, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2025
The pumpkin powerhouse smoothing and exfoliating lip mask was a personal favorite, lasting for hours on our lips.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Infused in cleansers, toners, and even essences, K-beauty’s exfoliating ingredients are often gentle and appear alongside hydrators to keep skin comfortable, while still delivering their brightening, smoothing, and resurfacing benefits.
—Deanna Pai, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2025
When exfoliating, be gentle with your skin and use upward circles to avoid stretching and pulling at your skin.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 2025
Double-cleanse with Aprilskin cleansing balm, Eminence daily exfoliating cleanser, Thayer’s toner, Glow Recipe blackberry retinol, and Farmacy honey halo moisturizer.
—R29 Team, Refinery29, 26 Sep. 2025
To prevent staining your hands, wash them immediately after applying self-tanner, and treat them like you would the rest of your body with an exfoliating mitt if any color lingers.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 23 Sep. 2025
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
Harsh treatments include strong exfoliating acids or extractions.
—Sarah Bence, Otr/l, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliating
Verb
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Though the Raiders’ 30-29 overtime defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars represented progress, given that Las Vegas was coming off one of the most flaccid offensive performances of the 21st century, Sunday’s unhappy ending left those shedding silver-and-black uniforms feeling empty.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
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The formula is designed to improve strand resilience, which can help reduce shedding and, in turn, create the appearance of fuller, healthier hair.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Busy Day Soup This dish only requires 15 minutes of active time and there is no chopping or peeling involved.—
Phoebe Evans,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
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October is National Seafood Month, and across the country Americans are digging into fish tacos, grilling salmon and peeling shrimp.—
Amanda Leland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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 8 Nov. 2025.
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