tretinoin

noun

tre·​tin·​o·​in tre-ˈti-nə-win 

: the all-trans isomer of retinoic acid that is applied to the skin to treat severe acne and reduce facial wrinkles, roughness, and pigmented spots

Examples of tretinoin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Use the sandwich technique when applying actives, like tretinoin. —Allure, 27 Nov. 2024

This means that, for example, the prescription retinoid tretinoin could lead to more intense side effects than an over-the-counter retinol product. —Jamie Friedlander Serrano, TIME, 17 Oct. 2024

Geraghty recommends using retinol for acne, such as prescription tretinoin cream or over-the-counter Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment. —Deanna Pai, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2024

Doctors say to avoid are retinol (including tretinoin), salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydrocortisone (in the first trimester), chemical sunscreens, hydroquinone, and tetracycline during pregnancy. —Katie Becker, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from trans- + retinoic acid

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

tretinoin

noun

tre·​tin·​o·​in tre-ˈtin-ə-wən 

: the all-trans isomer of retinoic acid that is applied topically to the skin to treat acne vulgaris and to reduce facial wrinkles, roughness, and pigmented spots and that is administered orally to induce remission of acute myelogenous leukemia in which more than half the cells are malignant promyelocytes

called also all-trans-retinoic acid, retinoic acid, vitamin A acid

see isotretinoin, retin-a