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

Can people like me with sensitive skin be successful with retinol? — Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Then, there’s retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and smooth out uneven texture. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 July 2026

Wrinkle-reducing retinol is widely available in creams, gels, and serums at any old drug store. — Julie Beck, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026

Well Retinol Body Lotion and more can’t-miss retinol beauty products deals below. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 25 July 2026

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
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol

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