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

Its anti-aging moisturizer also uses hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and peptides to complement the retinol and round out the smoothing, calming, strengthening, and hydrating benefits. — Claudia Fisher, Parents, 24 June 2026

Skip retinol on the same session when using a mask. — Allison Palmer updated June 24, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026

Created with input from dermatologists and plastic surgeons, the serum also harnesses retinol to smooth fine lines. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 23 June 2026

Products like the Advanced Clinicals retinol body and face moisturizer are a great place to start. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 23 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