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

Snag the Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream on Amazon today, and shop similar reviewer-favorite retinol products below. — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2026

But beyond tackling dryness and dehydration, more active body lotions have ingredients—like peptides and retinol—that target specific concerns associated with aging skin. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

However, retinol has the deepest and most reproducible evidence across the widest range of concerns, according to Yadav. — Sherri Gordon, HEALTH, 31 Aug. 2026

This treatment has noticeably brightened and smoothed my bags, however, thanks to its ingredient roster of retinol and other skin care superstars like the PDRN- and peptide-packed picks above. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 30 Aug. 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