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

Courtesy of David Jack From retinol and vitamin C to hyaluronic acid and peptides, the beauty industry appears to always be searching for the next breakthrough ingredient. — Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Shafer recommends a medical-grade routine built around tretinoin, a prescription retinol derivative. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026

At night, a retinoid or retinol is one of the best ingredients for improving fine lines and stimulating collagen over time. — Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026

While retinol on its own can be irritating, especially on sensitive skin, applying it as a moisturizer can help minimize irritation and soothe the skin—a genius product, IMO. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 31 July 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