Disodium EDTA
Disodium EDTA is a synthetic, water-soluble compound widely used in skincare and cosmetic products as a chelating agent. Its primary role is to bind metal ions (like calcium, magnesium, and iron) that can destabilise formulations, cause discolouration, or reduce the effectiveness of preservatives.
By neutralising these ions, Disodium EDTA helps prevent oxidation, maintain product stability, and enhance preservative performance. It’s commonly found in cleansers, creams, serums, shampoos, and even oral care products.
Topically applied, Disodium EDTA is considered safe, non-toxic, and non-irritating, with poor skin absorption and minimal systemic exposure. It is approved for use in cosmetics by regulatory bodies worldwide, including the FDA and EU authorities.
However, it is not biodegradable and can persist in aquatic environments, raising environmental concerns. For this reason, some eco-conscious brands are replacing it with biodegradable alternatives like sodium phytate or GLDA. Despite its environmental drawbacks, Disodium EDTA remains a highly effective ingredient for maintaining formula integrity and extending shelf life.
💡What It Does
Disodium EDTA binds to metal ions (like calcium, magnesium, iron), which helps:
- Stabilise formulations – Prevents metal ions from degrading products or affecting pH.
- Boost preservative efficacy – By binding metals that microbes need to thrive.
- Prevent discolouration – Metals can catalyse reactions that change product colour or cause oxidation.
🧬 Safety and Toxicology
- Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for limited use in food and pharmaceuticals.
- In cosmetics, typically used at low concentrations (0.05–0.5%) and considered safe by global regulatory authorities (e.g., CIR in the U.S., EU Cosmetics Regulation).
- Low toxicity when used as directed, though not intended for ingestion in non-food forms.
- Not biodegradable – so environmental concerns exist regarding accumulation in water sources.