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

Firm up crepey or sagging skin on your face, neck, and décolleté with this popular No7 retinol serum. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

At nighttime, my typical routine is a double-cleanse, essence, Prismatic+, retinol, and richer cream. — Sarah Han, Allure, 6 July 2026

As its name suggests, the product is formulated with skin care superstar retinol to smooth fine lines and crow’s feet and brighten dark circles. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 7 July 2026

This seals in hydration rather than letting product sit on top of dry skin, which matters most for body serums, retinol lotions and KP treatments. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 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