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

Designed specifically for the neck and décolletage, thai smoothing cream uses retinol to reverse signs of aging. — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

It is formulated with retinol and a retinoid quadruple complex to get you those results, but is still gentle thanks to skin-reparing and hydrating ingredients. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026

Consumers, especially younger ones, have been layering active ingredients like retinols, acids and vitamin C at a pace their skin can’t tolerate. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Just as noteworthy is the formula’s focus on supporting the skin barrier, which retinol can notoriously dry out and irritate. — Emily Orofino, Allure, 15 Sep. 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