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

While Green says that retin-a (tretinoin) or retinoids are best, an ingredient that can be picked up by a beauty subscription service like Curology, retinol is the next best bet without a prescription. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 June 2024

Topical retinoids, like over-the-counter retinol and prescription tretinoin, can also treat wrinkles and texture by slowing the breakdown of collagen and increasing skin cell turnover. —Medea Giordano, WIRED, 3 May 2024

Maureen was given tretinoin, which is often used to treat acne. —Celeste Polanco, Essence, 18 Jan. 2024

How to Use Tretinoin There is a right—and wrong—way to use tretinoin in your skin care routine. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 18 Jan. 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