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
Infuse coffee grounds into your favorite homemade bar soap for an exfoliating effect.
—
Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
In April, Cox launched her exfoliating hand wash in her signature scent Cece.
—Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026
Native to southeastern woodlands, oakleaf hydrangeas have vibrant fall color and attractive, exfoliating bark.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 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
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
Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
In April, Cox launched her exfoliating hand wash in her signature scent Cece.
—Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026
Native to southeastern woodlands, oakleaf hydrangeas have vibrant fall color and attractive, exfoliating bark.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliating
Verb
-
Tax cuts are providing a tailwind for consumer spending and business investment, but a pullback in household demand or sustained rise in input costs may prompt companies to recalibrate by shedding hours or positions.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
8 May 2026
-
Vacuum lightly at least once a week using only low suction and no beater brush, more frequent vacuuming will help prevent shedding.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Dark, dim, and a little grungy, with its scuffed checkerboard floors, worn old couches, peeling walls, and chalkboard menus, La Factoria feels like a clandestine underground speakeasy.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
-
Sick of peeling that pesky tag off of your license plate every year?—
Hali Smith
May 4,
Idaho Statesman,
4 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 11 May. 2026.
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