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

Consider using vitamin C during the day and retinol in the evening. —Sarah Han, Allure, 12 Aug. 2025

Both have visibly decreased since using the serum, which combines retinol, known for smoothing lines and improving skin tone, and retinyl palmitate, which helps protect and preserve the skin barrier. —Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Its line-smoothing and tone-evening powers come from glycolic acid and retinol, plus the formula helps stimulate collagen and elastin production for plumper, firmer skin. —Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2025

Or retinol and exfoliants, both of which slough off the pigmented skin cells to reveal a fresh, glowier layer underneath. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Aug. 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