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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Medicated creams like vitamin A derivatives (such as retinol or tretinoin) work by increasing collagen production in the skin. 
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 13 July 2022 My greasiness is partly genetics—my dad’s side of the family has acne-prone skin—and partly prescription tretinoin use, which yes, helps eliminate breakouts but also dries out my face and causes my skin to overcompensate with excess oil production. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 15 June 2022 So benzoyl peroxide could potentially react with tretinoin and deactivate it in the process. Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 1 Apr. 2022 These soothing, healing ingredients are preferred over tretinoin and high concentrations of acids because those with acne tend to have incredibly sensitive and inflamed skin. Devon Abelman, Allure, 16 Feb. 2022 See a dermatologist about tretinoin, laser treatments or chemical peels. Adele Jackson-gibson, Good Housekeeping, 8 Nov. 2021 Adding in the glycolic helps with brightening and the chemicals exfoliate the skin in a way that's a little bit different from the tretinoin or a harsh scrub. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 10 Nov. 2021 Venturing out into the world to see a dermatologist for a tretinoin prescription terrified me. Devon Abelman, Allure, 20 Sep. 2021 The Derm-Recommended Adult Acne Treatment Prescription topical retinoids—and tretinoin, specifically—are textbook examples of treatments known for drying out skin. Beth Janes, Harper's BAZAAR, 20 July 2021 See More
Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 13 July 2022 My greasiness is partly genetics—my dad’s side of the family has acne-prone skin—and partly prescription tretinoin use, which yes, helps eliminate breakouts but also dries out my face and causes my skin to overcompensate with excess oil production. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 15 June 2022 So benzoyl peroxide could potentially react with tretinoin and deactivate it in the process. Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 1 Apr. 2022 These soothing, healing ingredients are preferred over tretinoin and high concentrations of acids because those with acne tend to have incredibly sensitive and inflamed skin. Devon Abelman, Allure, 16 Feb. 2022 See a dermatologist about tretinoin, laser treatments or chemical peels. Adele Jackson-gibson, Good Housekeeping, 8 Nov. 2021 Adding in the glycolic helps with brightening and the chemicals exfoliate the skin in a way that's a little bit different from the tretinoin or a harsh scrub. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 10 Nov. 2021 Venturing out into the world to see a dermatologist for a tretinoin prescription terrified me. Devon Abelman, Allure, 20 Sep. 2021 The Derm-Recommended Adult Acne Treatment Prescription topical retinoids—and tretinoin, specifically—are textbook examples of treatments known for drying out skin. Beth Janes, Harper's BAZAAR, 20 July 2021 See More 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