retinol

noun

ret·​i·​nol ˈre-tə-ˌnȯl  -ˌnōl 

: the chief and typical vitamin A C₂₀H₂₉OH that is a highly unsaturated alicyclic alcohol used in various forms in medicine and nutrition

Examples of retinol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

A lot of anti-aging skincare contains ingredients like retinol that can be drying and irritating, but Cetaphil has a possible solution. —Lauren Taylor, Southern Living, 12 Nov. 2025

While retinol is one of the most studied in exfoliating and reducing crepiness, other ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid can play a role in improving hydration, firmness, and overall smoothness. —Daley Quinn, Glamour, 10 Nov. 2025

The masks are infused with pure retinol and Shiseido’s WrinkleResist24 Technology, which has hyaluronic acid and hydroxyproline. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025

Pause exfoliants and retinol If your skin is not accustomed to cold or dry conditions, don’t use exfoliants or retinoids during your trip, since these ingredients can cause irritation and dryness. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

retin- + -ol entry 1; from its being the source of retinal

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for retinol

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• catarrhal
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol

Kids Definition

retinol

noun

ret·​i·​nol ˈret-ᵊn-ˌȯl 

-ˌōl

: the most common form of vitamin A

Medical Definition

retinol

noun

ret·​i·​nol ˈret-ᵊn-ˌȯl  -ˌōl 

: vitamin a sense a