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 Harvest Grapeseed Ritual begins with a dry brush and exfoliating scrub, followed by a rich body butter and a glass of Elusa Cabernet Sauvignon.
—
Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
And its gentle formula of exfoliating sugars and nourishing coconut and sunflower oils is made in small batches in the US.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
If breakouts are a concern, a toner that includes gentle exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid can keep pores clear and refine skin texture.
—Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Adult skincare often contains ingredients that may irritate young skin, like fragrances, exfoliating acids, and topical retinol, derms say.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Aug. 2025
Packed with moisturizing and gently exfoliating ingredients, this face cream is a dream for mature skin.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 26 Aug. 2025
It’s joined by fellow exfoliating AHAs citric and tartaric as well as BHA salicylic acid, plus skin hydrators and moisturizers like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and fatty acids.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2025
PanOxyl Clarifying Exfoliant with 2% Salicylic Acid Our tester with normal to oily skin was hoping to minimize pores and even out texture, and this PanOxyl leave-on exfoliating treatment delivered.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Wait three to five minutes so the exfoliating formula can foam and work its magic on your pores.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 4 Aug. 2025
Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
And its gentle formula of exfoliating sugars and nourishing coconut and sunflower oils is made in small batches in the US.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
If breakouts are a concern, a toner that includes gentle exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid can keep pores clear and refine skin texture.
—Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Adult skincare often contains ingredients that may irritate young skin, like fragrances, exfoliating acids, and topical retinol, derms say.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Aug. 2025
Packed with moisturizing and gently exfoliating ingredients, this face cream is a dream for mature skin.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 26 Aug. 2025
It’s joined by fellow exfoliating AHAs citric and tartaric as well as BHA salicylic acid, plus skin hydrators and moisturizers like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and fatty acids.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2025
PanOxyl Clarifying Exfoliant with 2% Salicylic Acid Our tester with normal to oily skin was hoping to minimize pores and even out texture, and this PanOxyl leave-on exfoliating treatment delivered.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Wait three to five minutes so the exfoliating formula can foam and work its magic on your pores.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exfoliating
Verb
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As early as February, the public sector began shedding jobs.—
Rob Lancit,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Since March, job growth has continued to slow to a crawl, with more industries shedding jobs than adding.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Just one narrow swipe of the peel-off formula gives you the perfect amount of peeling power.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Utilizing a variety of tools that allow for shading, etching, and peeling creates a layered effect and transforms pumpkins into detailed pieces of multi-dimensional art.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exfoliating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exfoliating. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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