Inositol

Inositol is a vitamin-like ingredient that’s one of the main components of the skin-beneficial fatty acid lecithin. It’s in the same chemical category as glycerin, so it has some of that ingredient’s hydrating properties and assists with maintaining skin’s firmness. Inositol is typically sourced from plants such as corn and beets but can also be lab-made.

In the body, inositol is a precursor molecule that assists in several biological processes, including the formation of living skin cells (keratinocytes). Within the body and on skin, inositol helps balance the concentrations of water and salt and boost the stability of fatty acids.