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

The group notes that retinoids, retinol and benzoyl peroxide already increase sensitivity, so adding an exfoliant on top can worsen dryness or trigger breakouts. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026

The retinol will help with cell turnover as the skin repairs itself overnight. — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

This is because retinol must convert twice inside the skin to reach its active form, retinoic acid, while retinal only needs one conversion. — Rosa Jisoo Pyo, InStyle, 2 Nov. 2026

The Meditherapy Retinal Skin Booster Serum utilizes retinal, a more potent anti-aging ingredient than traditional retinol, to work faster, giving results in as little as two weeks according to reviewers. — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 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