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

Eye creams containing retinol should be used only at night, as this ingredient can make skin more sensitive to the sun. —Tracy Perez Han, InStyle, 20 Feb. 2026

Instead, actives like retinol and peptides are far better for actually boosting collagen production. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026

Are retinol body oils safe for daily use? —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 5 Feb. 2026

Tretinoin is not to be confused with retinol, a milder, over-the-counter vitamin A derivative. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 Feb. 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
• 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