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

Because usage starts at only once or twice a week, a single over-the-counter retinol product lasts longer than many daily-use treatments. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

The overnight hand treatment includes pure retinol to help reduce rough texture, colloidal oatmeal to soothe irritation, and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) to hydrate and support the skin barrier. —Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 23 Apr. 2026

Incorporating a nightly retinol cream or treatment is her top recommendation at this age. —Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026

Use them consistently for a few weeks before layering in treatments like retinol or exfoliants. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 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
• 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