Tetrasodium Etidronate
A chelating agent. It binds metal ions from water so the formula does not spoil or darken. It works at low levels and does not affect skin.
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
Tetrasodium etidronate (INCI: Tetrasodium Etidronate) is a chelating agent used in very small amounts. It binds the metal ions present in water and raw materials, keeping the formula from oxidizing, going rancid or darkening over time. It is a functional component, not a care active. Its job is to protect product stability, which also helps preservatives and antioxidants perform better. On skin it has no cosmetic effect of its own. Topically, at these minimal concentrations, there is no relevant systemic uptake, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is high: low irritation potential and low allergy risk, fine for sensitive skin. It adds no comedogenic load. It is one of those quiet ingredients you never notice but that keep a product in good shape through its whole shelf life.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tetrasodium Etidronate safe during pregnancy?
Tetrasodium Etidronate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Tetrasodium Etidronate for?
Tetrasodium Etidronate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Tetrasodium Etidronate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A chelating agent.
What's the INCI name for Tetrasodium Etidronate?
The INCI name is Tetrasodium Etidronate.
See Tetrasodium Etidronate 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
Other functional ingredients
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Thiamine Diphosphate, Thiolactic Acid, Carbomer, Glyceryl Dibehenate, PEG-10 Isostearate, PPG-26-Buteth-26
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