Sodium Polyaspartate
Biodegradable chelator – binds metal ions, protecting the formula from oxidation and darkening. An eco-alternative to EDTA. Pregnancy-safe.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Sodium Polyaspartate is the sodium salt of a polymer of aspartic acid, a biodegradable analog of EDTA. INCI: Sodium Polyaspartate. In cosmetics it works as a chelator: it binds calcium, magnesium and iron ions that enter the formula from tap water and catalyze the oxidation of actives (vitamin C, retinol, enzymes). This extends shelf life, prevents darkening and clouding, and improves surfactant foaming in hard water. Use levels run from 0.05 to 0.5%. The main advantage over EDTA is biodegradability. EDTA hardly degrades in wastewater treatment and accumulates in water bodies, where it can mobilize heavy metals from sediments. Polyaspartate fully degrades to simple amino acids. Pregnancy safety. Skin absorption into the systemic circulation is minimal. Safety is supported by food-grade applications (no E number, but used in water treatment). Skin profile. Low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for all skin types. No active cosmetic effects – purely a formula stabilizer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Polyaspartate safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Polyaspartate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sodium Polyaspartate for?
Sodium Polyaspartate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Sodium Polyaspartate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Biodegradable chelator – binds metal ions, protecting the formula from oxidation and darkening.
Is Sodium Polyaspartate comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Sodium Polyaspartate?
The INCI name is Sodium Polyaspartate. It may also appear as: PASP.
See Sodium Polyaspartate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Published: · updated: