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Inositol

Commonly known as: Inositol, Vitamin B7.

I.N.C.I. list name: Inositol.

Extraction process: Extraction and filtration of the pulp from the carob fruit, separation of molecules by chromatography, demethylation, concentration through chromatography and crystallisation.

Source: Plant-based.

Botanical name: Ceratonia siliqua L. (carob tree).

Family: Leguminosae.

Part of the plant extracted: Fruits.

Provenance, origin: Spain.

Chemical characteristics: Sugar (a cyclic organic molecule composed of 6 carbon atoms) found in the phospholipids of cell membranes; 9 stereoisomers exist and myo-inositol is the most common; A "vitamin-like" substance; Water-soluble.

Characteristics: Emulsion, colloidal solution.

Dosage required in cosmetic products: Objectively measured in vivo percentage: 0.10%.

Function: Antistatic, Hair Conditioner, Humectant

Properties: Tanning accelerator, moisturiser.

Benefits: All types of skin and hair.

Details

Usage

Facial Care (moisturising serums, creams, self-tanners, masks, makeup removing creams/milks/lotions, micellar waters, facial cleansers); Body Care (sunscreens, self-tanning milks, shower gels); Hair Care (shampoos, conditioners, masks, hair serums, styling products).

Method of Preservation

Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight, in its closed packaging.

Contraindications, usage precautions

Skin Irritation (Patch Test, 5%): Considered to be very well tolerated.

Skin Sensitisation (Marzulli and Maibach’s Method, 5%): Considered as non-sensitising.

Ocular Irritation (HET-CAM, 5%): Considered as irritating to the eyes. Therefore, avoid any contact with the eyes.

Mutagenesis(Ames Test OECD 471) Considered as non-mutagenic.

No contraindications for pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, as well as young children.

Find out more

The carob tree is a Mediterranean fruit tree. It is also known as carouge, St. John's bread, Egyptian fig, or Pythagorean bean. Extracted from the fruit of the carob tree, inositol is a sugar capable of stimulating the synthesis of melanin. It also protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. It is often found in self-tanning products because it accelerates, intensifies, and prolongs tanning.