Inositol

Inositol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate compound often classified as a vitamin-like substance, though it is technically not a vitamin. Found in plant and animal tissues, as well as in whole grains, citrus fruits, and legumes, inositol plays a crucial role in cell signaling, lipid metabolism, and overall skin health. In skincare, it is valued for its ability to support hydration, improve skin elasticity, and promote a balanced complexion.

One of inositol’s key benefits is its role in strengthening the skin’s barrier function, which helps retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors. It aids in lipid synthesis, ensuring that the skin remains soft, smooth, and well-nourished. Inositol is also known for its ability to enhance cell turnover and support collagen production, making it a beneficial ingredient in anti-aging formulations. By promoting firmer, more resilient skin, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

Beyond hydration and anti-aging benefits, inositol has been studied for its potential effects on acne-prone skin. Since it plays a role in regulating sebum production, it can help minimize excess oiliness, making it useful in formulations for those struggling with breakouts. Some research suggests that inositol, particularly in combination with other bioactive ingredients, may help improve the skin’s overall clarity and reduce inflammation associated with acne.

Inositol is often included in moisturizers, serums, and hair care products due to its strengthening and conditioning properties. Its ability to support both hydration and cellular function makes it a versatile addition to skincare formulations, particularly for individuals looking to improve skin texture, elasticity, and overall vitality.

Inositol (Wikipedia)

In biochemistry, medicine, and related sciences, inositol generally refers to myo-inositol (formerly meso-inositol), the most important stereoisomer of the chemical compound cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol. Its formula is C₆H₁₂O₆; the molecule has a ring of six carbon atoms, each with an hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl group (–OH). In myo-inositol, two of the hydroxyls, neither adjacent not opposite, lie above the respective hydrogens relative to the mean plane of the ring.

myo-Inositol

Names
IUPAC name myo-Inositol
Systematic IUPAC name (1R,2S,3r,4R,5S,6s)-Cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol
Other names cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-Cyclohexanehexol Cyclohexanehexol Mouse antialopecia factor Nucite Phaseomannite Phaseomannitol Rat antispectacled eye factor Scyllite (for the isomer scyllo-inositol) Vitamin B8
Identifiers
CAS Number	87-89-8 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChEBI	CHEBI:17268 Y
ChEMBL	ChEMBL1222251 Y
ChemSpider	10239179 Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.027.295
IUPHAR/BPS	4495
KEGG	D08079 Y
PubChem CID	892
UNII	4L6452S749 Y
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID30110000
InChI InChI=1S/C6H12O6/c7-1-2(8)4(10)6(12)5(11)3(1)9/h1-12H/t1-,2-,3-,4+,5-,6- Y Key: CDAISMWEOUEBRE-GPIVLXJGSA-N Y InChI=1/C6H12O6/c7-1-2(8)4(10)6(12)5(11)3(1)9/h1-12H/t1-,2-,3-,4+,5-,6- Key: CDAISMWEOUEBRE-GPIVLXJGBG
SMILES O[C@@H]1[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H]1O
Properties
Chemical formula	C6H12O6
Molar mass	180.16 g/mol
Density	1.752 g/cm3
Melting point	225 to 227 °C (437 to 441 °F; 498 to 500 K)
Thermochemistry
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298)	−1329.3 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298)	−2747 kJ/mol
Pharmacology
ATC code	A11HA07 (WHO)
Hazards
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)	1 0 0
Flash point	143 °C (289 °F; 416 K)
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Y verify (what is YN ?) Infobox references

The compound is a carbohydrate, specifically a sugar alcohol (as distinct from aldoses like glucose) with half the sweetness of sucrose (table sugar). It is one of the most ancient components of living beings with multiple functions in eukaryotes, including structural lipids and secondary messengers. A human kidney makes about two grams per day from glucose, but other tissues synthesize it too. The highest concentration is in the brain, where it plays an important role in making other neurotransmitters and some steroid hormones bind to their receptors. In other tissues, it mediates cell signal transduction in response to a variety of hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors and participates in osmoregulation. In most mammalian cells the concentrations of myo-inositol are 5 to 500 times greater inside cells than outside them.

A 2023 meta-analysis found that inositol is a safe and effective treatment in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, there is only evidence of very low quality for its efficacy in increasing fertility for IVF in women with PCOS.

The other naturally occurring stereoisomers of cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol are scyllo-, muco-, D-chiro-, L-chiro-, and neo-inositol, although they occur in minimal quantities compared to myo-inositol. The other possible isomers are allo-, epi-, and cis-inositol.