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

The Wall Street Journal reports that brands are now marketing retinol creams, moisturizing neck products, red-light devices and other treatments around tech-neck wrinkles. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026

That sets it apart from other retinol alternatives like bakuchiol. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 9 Oct. 2026

The Wall Street Journal reports that brands are now marketing retinol creams, neck moisturizers, red-light devices and other treatments specifically for tech-neck wrinkles. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026

While the advantages of retinoids like retinol—firmer, clearer, and brighter skin—are essentially fact at this point, what constitutes the best retinoid is a bit more debatable. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 7 Oct. 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