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

Adult skincare often contains ingredients that may irritate young skin, like fragrances, exfoliating acids, and topical retinol, derms say. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 12 June 2025

Carrots do contain beta-carotene, an active form of vitamin A that can be converted by the body into retinol as needed. —Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 12 June 2025

Other ingredients to steer clear of include retinols or retinoids or any type of acids (AHAs, BHAs, and others) or peels, Dr. Kim shares. —Amber Rambharose, Glamour, 12 June 2025

Dry skin and sun damage are two common problems as men age, and this TSA-friendly bundle includes salicylic acid face wash for clean skin, face cream with SPF15, retinol cream for pre-sleep moisturizing and eye cream. —Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 3 June 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