---
title: Retinol
entity_type: Ingredient
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/retinol
date_modified: 2026-05-17
date_reviewed: 2026-05-17
mcp_eligible: true
evidence_sources:
  - title: AAD — Retinoid or retinol?
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-retinoid-or-retinol
    original_source_url: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol
    source_type: dermatology_reference
  - title: DermNet NZ — Topical retinoids
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-topical-retinoids
    original_source_url: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/topical-retinoids
    source_type: medical_reference
product_fact_sources:
  - title: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum — Official Product Page
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-cerave-resurfacing-retinol-serum
    original_source_url: https://www.cerave.com/skincare/facial-serums/resurfacing-retinol-serum
    source_type: official_product_page
---

# Retinol

## Quick Summary

Retinol is an over-the-counter vitamin A ingredient used in cosmetic skincare for smoother-looking texture, fine-line appearance, and more even-looking tone. It can be useful, but it is also one of the ingredients most likely to cause dryness, peeling, stinging, or irritation during the adjustment period.

## What It Is

Retinol is part of the broader vitamin A family used in skincare. It is not the same as prescription tretinoin, and this page does not give prescription-retinoid protocols. In consumer routines, retinol is usually introduced slowly because the skin often needs time to adapt.

## Related Entities

- [AAD — Retinoid or retinol?](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-retinoid-or-retinol)
- [DermNet NZ — Topical retinoids](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-topical-retinoids)
- [CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum — Official Product Page](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-cerave-resurfacing-retinol-serum)
- [Fine Lines](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/fine-lines)
- [Wrinkles](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/wrinkles)
- [Sun Damage](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/sun-damage)
- [Facial Hyperpigmentation](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/facial-hyperpigmentation)
- [Early Wrinkle Prevention](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/early-wrinkle-prevention)
- [CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum](https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/cerave-resurfacing-retinol-serum)
- [Retinoid Dermatitis](https://skinknowledgebase.com/side-effects/retinoid-dermatitis)
- [Over-exfoliation Irritation](https://skinknowledgebase.com/side-effects/over-exfoliation-irritation)