Disodium EDTA

Ingredient name

Disodium EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)

Type of ingredient

Stabilizer

Commonly found in

Creams, lotions, cleansers

What are the benefits of disodium EDTA?

By stabilizing cosmetic products, disodium EDTA prevents them from deterioration. Moreover, it prevents dramatic changes in the active ingredients in skincare products to prevent them from being ineffective, such as by preventing texture or pH changes. In some cleansers it can improve the foaming effect.

What is disodium EDTA?

Disodium EDTA is a water-soluble compound that chelates to stabilize skincare products. As a chelator, it inactivates metal ions in solutions.

Is disodium EDTA safe for all skin types and tones?

Disodium EDTA is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available data. However, it is a contact allergen noted in multiple studies. Patients with hypersensitivity to this compound should be cautious when considering use of cosmetic products that may contain it.

Contraindications

There is minimal data on contraindications for the topical application of agents containing disodium EDTA. Patients with contact dermatitis to cosmetic products may need to consider cessation of products containing disodium EDTA.

Sources

Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA. Final report on the safety assessment of EDTA, calcium disodium EDTA, diammonium EDTA, dipotassium EDTA, disodium EDTA, TEA-EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, tripotassium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, HEDTA, and trisodium HEDTA. Int J Toxicol. 2002;21 Suppl 2:95-142.

Roh J, Cheng H. Ultraviolet filter, fragrance and preservative allergens in New Zealand sunscreens. Australas J Dermatol. 2022;63(1):e21-e25. doi:10.1111/ajd.13748

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