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
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
The line also includes a scalp exfoliating shampoo and scalp serum, which are both mainstays in my monthly hair routine.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 27 Feb. 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
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
The line also includes a scalp exfoliating shampoo and scalp serum, which are both mainstays in my monthly hair routine.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 27 Feb. 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
-
This serum can prevent hair shedding and promote hair growth if shedding has already started.—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
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The Moroccanoil Revitalizing Scalp Tonic is a daily, leave-in spray with a botanical blend to reduce fallout and shedding for thicker, fuller-looking hair over time.—
Cathy Nelson,
InStyle,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The choice also reflects the peeling back of historical layers.—
Essie Assibu,
Variety,
29 Mar. 2026
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However, peeling back the curtain, that support drops substantially when looking solely at younger Republicans and conservative-leaning independents — two groups that Trump made gains with in 2024.—
Elena Moore,
NPR,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
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So, on Thursday night’s show Kimmel doubled-down once again, sloughing off the latest attack from the leader of the free world on his late night comedy show.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
21 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliating. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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