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 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
Get rid of textured, flaky skin with these $15 deep exfoliating gloves, then grab this hair dryer and diffuser from internet-famous brand Wavytalk for major hair volume.
—Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Infuse coffee grounds into your favorite homemade bar soap for an exfoliating effect.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
The idea here is to offer three properties in one formula—exfoliating, moisturizing, and lip color—via six modern shades that impart a sheen finish.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
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
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
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
Get rid of textured, flaky skin with these $15 deep exfoliating gloves, then grab this hair dryer and diffuser from internet-famous brand Wavytalk for major hair volume.
—Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Infuse coffee grounds into your favorite homemade bar soap for an exfoliating effect.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
The idea here is to offer three properties in one formula—exfoliating, moisturizing, and lip color—via six modern shades that impart a sheen finish.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliating
Verb
-
As the two bond in short order, our previously flailing hero shapes up very quickly indeed, soon shedding his substance abuse problems and entering a healthy relationship with dreamy social worker Oscar (Diego Calva).—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
16 May 2026
-
The grooming vacuum helps manage shedding by collecting loose hair directly from the pet.—
Trisha Easto,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Allow to cool before peeling and cutting into 5mm-thick slices.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
16 May 2026
-
Sepsis had left his skin peeling and his body blackened, including parts of his fingers, ears, lips and lower legs.—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The bright wallpaper that Nataliia and Valerii had hung was sloughing off in layers, green giving way to roses.—
Lizzie Johnson,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Gentle exfoliation is key to sloughing off winter buildup and revealing fresh, radiant skin.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliating. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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