retinol

noun

ret·​i·​nol ˈre-tə-ˌnȯl How to pronounce retinol (audio) -ˌnōl How to pronounce retinol (audio)
: 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

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some also have other antiaging superstars like retinol, brightening ingredients like vitamin C, antioxidants like vitamin E, or niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) to strengthen the skin barrier. — Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026 The Pro-Retinol Body Cream Serum extends those benefits below the neck, thanks to retinyl propionate, a gentle retinol derivative that boosts cellular turnover and collagen production. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026 With seven types of essential vitamins, retinol, niacinamide, and collagen, the patches help my under-eye area look firmer and brighter. — Vivien Lee, InStyle, 15 Oct. 2026 Over-the-counter products containing adapalene and retinol creams can also help. — Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retinol

Word History

Etymology

retin- + -ol entry 1; from its being the source of retinal

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retinol was in 1960

Rhymes for retinol

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Browse Nearby Words

retinoid
retinol
retinopapillitis
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Cite this Entry

“Retinol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retinol. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

retinol

noun
ret·​i·​nol ˈret-ᵊn-ˌȯl How to pronounce retinol (audio)
-ˌōl
: the most common form of vitamin A

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on retinol

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about retinol

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