Characteristics
- INCI
- Inositol
- CAS
-
87-89-8
This is the substance number in the Chemical Abstracts Service registry. The CAS number uniquely identifies a substance regardless of language, trade name, or synonyms.
- EC
-
201-781-2
This is the substance number in the European chemical identification system (EC number), used in European regulatory databases including ECHA/CosIng.
- IUPAC
- Cis-1,2,3,5-Trans-4,6-Cyclohexanehexol
- Functions
- antistatic, hair conditioning, humectant
Who it's for
Description
Inositol is a naturally occurring sugar-like compound found in plants, grains, and in the body itself. In skincare and haircare, it’s used mainly as a conditioning and supporting ingredient rather than a headline active. You’ll often see it in formulas aimed at hydration, softness, and overall manageability, where it can help products feel more comfortable on skin and smoother through the hair.
For skin, inositol is valued for its moisture-supporting and texture-improving role, helping formulas leave a softer, less tight feel. In hair products, it may help improve slip, reduce roughness, and support a healthier-looking finish. It can be a nice fit for people with dry, dull, or easily stressed skin and for hair that feels coarse or hard to detangle. That said, it’s not a dramatic treatment ingredient, and results depend on the full formula. If you’re looking for strong exfoliation, brightening, or anti-aging effects, inositol is more of a supporting player than a star.
Products with Inositol (1 463 total)
Most often found in Murad products (91 items)
