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

Introducing anti-aging ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides can go a long way, but building a consistent daily routine is just as important when caring for mature skin. —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 25 Nov. 2025

Even if the brand squeezed this rich retinol, hyaluronic acid and squalane night cream that smoothes, evens and hydrates skin like no other into a Ziploc bag, the answer would be the same. —Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

The Korean beauty brand, Beauty of Joseon, utilizes Ginseng extract, retinol, and niacinamide for a powerful yet gentle eye cream. —Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025

This antiaging overnight mask contains AHAs, retinol and papaya enzymes to exfoliate the skin and smooth texture without irritation. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 Nov. 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