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

This one contains retinol and glycolic acid to smooth fine lines and unwanted texture while targeting crepey skin. —Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 28 Jan. 2026

This method is used for those who have difficulty tolerating retinols and need a slower acclimation process. —Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 28 Jan. 2026

Seoul 1988 Retinal Eye Cream Viral for using retinal (stronger than retinol) in a liposome delivery system for smoother texture without harshness. —Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

These pre-soaked pads pair pore-clearing salicylic acid with a gentle dose of texture-refining retinol, while cica and green tea ceramide from Korea’s mineral-rich Jeju Island soothe and calm skin. —Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Jan. 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