Disodium EDTA

Tolerability and safety

Irritation potential

Low

Allergen risk

Low

Pregnancy

Safe

Suitable for

Oily, Dry, Sensitive, Combination, Normal

About this ingredient

Disodium EDTA is a synthetic metal ion chelator. EDTA – ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, discovered in 1935, used in medicine for heavy metal poisoning (Pb, Hg). In cosmetics – a functional stabilizer. Mechanism. Binds iron, copper, calcium, magnesium ions that enter formulas with water and raw materials. Without chelation these ions catalyze oxidation of oils and actives, cause cloudiness and emulsion instability, accelerate microbial growth. Disodium EDTA boosts preservation system efficacy and extends product shelf life. Where applied. Almost all cosmetic formulas with a water phase: creams, lotions, shampoos, shower gels, masks, cleansers. Concentration 0.05-0.3%. In Spain – present in the vast majority of mass-market and niche formulas. Evidence base. A functional component with many years of use. Chelation and stabilization efficacy confirmed in standard formulation tests. No active skin pharmacology. Safety and controversies. CIR confirmed Disodium EDTA safe in cosmetic use. Non-comedogenic, non-sensitizing, allergic reactions extremely rare. The controversy is environmental: EDTA degrades poorly in the environment and accumulates in water bodies. Manufacturers are developing alternatives (etidronic acid, GLDA, IDS), but Disodium EDTA remains the gold standard due to efficacy and low cost. Pregnancy and lactation – safe at standard cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through intact skin is low. Best suited to: any skin type. One of the most neutral functional components in cosmetics.

Frequently asked questions