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

Rather than use aggressive, high-strength retinol, Korean beauty brands are beginning to develop formulations that harness lower concentrations of retinol alongside soothing ingredients to deliver results without compromising overall skin health. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025

Read on for the best retinol serums—no prescription necessary. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 24 Feb. 2025

For the second time, Alex Lee of San José is attempting to ban the sale of products with ingredients like retinol and vitamin C to the state's young people. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 19 Feb. 2025

Since retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, don’t forget to apply SPF (as usual). —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Mar. 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