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

Of all the ingredients said to tame wrinkles, retinol is often considered the gold standard. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 6 May 2025

Its hero ingredient is bakuchiol, a gentler alternative to retinol that can improve your skin’s texture and tone. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 18 Apr. 2025

This retinol serum is widely recognized for its role in improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. —Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

The milky serum also boasts retinol to help improve skin texture and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 31 Mar. 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