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retinol

American  
[ret-n-awl, -ol] / ˈrɛt nˌɔl, -ˌɒl /

noun

  1. vitamin A.

  2. Chemistry. a yellowish oil, C 3 2 H 1 6 , obtained by the distillation of resin, used as a solvent and as an antiseptic.


retinol British  
/ ˈrɛtɪˌnɒl /

noun

  1. another name for vitamin A2

  2. another name for rosin oil

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

retinol Scientific  
/ rĕt′n-ôl′ /
  1. See vitamin A


Etymology

Origin of retinol

First recorded in 1830–40; from Greek rhētī́n(e) “resin” ( see resin) + -ol 1


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Medieval pilgrims may have had faith; I had lightweight REI clothing, moleskin, Hokas and retinol.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

Maybe your skin will look fab as you age—but will it be thanks to the peptides, or the retinol, or your genes, or something else?

From Slate ● May 4, 2025

Avoid products containing potent alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and retinol, Galamgam said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 21, 2024

Ingredients like retinol or skin care routines that involve multiple steps may not be suitable for people in their teens, they note.

From New York Times ● Mar. 16, 2024

A lot of the products in these brands contain ingredients intended for older skin, like retinol or acids.

From BBC ● Feb. 10, 2024

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