Inositol is a naturally occurring cyclic polyol and sugar alcohol widely used as a functional cosmetic ingredient in skin care and hair care formulations. The commonly referenced form is myo-Inositol, chemically identified as cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-cyclohexanehexol. It has the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆ and a molecular weight of 180.16 g/mol. Its CAS Number is 87-89-8 and its EC Number is 201-781-2.
In cosmetic formulations, Inositol is valued for its multifunctional properties. Cosmetic ingredient references identify it primarily for humectant, antistatic and hair-conditioning functions. Its water compatibility and polyol structure make it suitable for formulations where moisture management and conditioning are important.
Inositol is a six-membered cyclohexane polyol containing six hydroxyl groups. Myo-Inositol is the form most commonly identified by CAS 87-89-8. It occurs as fine white crystals or white crystalline powder, is optically inactive and produces essentially neutral aqueous solutions. It is soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol and insoluble in ether and chloroform.
USP-NF defines Inositol as containing 97.0% to 102.0% Inositol on an anhydrous basis. The USP reference also identifies a melting range of approximately 223–226°C and a loss on drying of not more than 0.5% under the stated test conditions. These are pharmacopeial references and should not automatically be treated as the commercial specification of every cosmetic-grade material.
Inositol can contribute to several formulation functions. As a humectant, it can support moisture management in cosmetic preparations. This property makes it relevant to skin-conditioning products where maintaining a comfortable moisture balance is desirable.
Its antistatic function is particularly relevant to hair-care formulations. Inositol can be incorporated into products designed to improve the feel and manageability of hair, while its conditioning role supports formulations intended to leave hair feeling smoother and easier to handle.
The ingredient can therefore be considered for moisturising and conditioning formulations without being limited to a single cosmetic product category.
Inositol Cosmetic Ingredient can be used in a variety of personal care formulations, depending on the formulation objective and final product design. Potential applications include facial care products, moisturisers, serums, hair conditioners, shampoos, hair-care treatments and other personal care formulations.
In skin-care products, its humectant and conditioning characteristics can complement other moisture-supporting ingredients. In hair-care products, its antistatic and hair-conditioning functions can be useful where improved hair feel and manageability are desired.
Because Inositol is water soluble, formulators can consider it for aqueous systems and water-based cosmetic formulations. Final concentration, processing conditions and compatibility should be established through formulation development and stability testing.
The physical form and quality grade of Inositol should be considered when developing a cosmetic formulation. The material is supplied as a crystalline solid, and its particle characteristics, moisture level and purity can influence handling and dissolution behaviour.
USP information indicates that approximately one gram dissolves in around 6 mL of water and that the material is only slightly soluble in alcohol. For production formulations, dissolution should therefore be evaluated under the actual processing temperature, concentration and pH conditions.
Storage in well-closed packaging is appropriate for maintaining material quality. Cosmetic manufacturers should use the applicable Certificate of Analysis and agreed product specification for identity, purity, moisture, impurities and other quality attributes rather than assuming that every commercial grade conforms to a pharmacopeial specification.
As an Inositol Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, Swapnroop focuses on supplying quality-oriented cosmetic raw materials for personal care and formulation applications. Inositol can be supplied for manufacturers developing skin-care, hair-care and other cosmetic products where humectant, antistatic or conditioning functionality is required.
For bulk cosmetic ingredient procurement, important quality parameters include identity, assay, moisture, appearance, solubility and applicable impurity controls. Product documentation and specifications should be evaluated according to the intended cosmetic application and market requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 97.0–102.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 0.5% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.1% |
| Melting Point | 223–226°C |