SkinWis
SkinWis Scientific

Skincare Ingredient

Sign in to save this ingredient

Save ingredients to your skin profile and we'll use them when you look up products — instantly flagging what's reactive, neutral, or works well for your skin.

Disodium EDTA

In Skincare: Is Disodium EDTA Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Safety (overall safety)
2/5 — Low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

Generally considered safe in cosmetics (CIR); low irritation/sensitization risk at typical use levels. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Disodium EDTA is safe as used in cosmetic products, with limited evidence of skin irritation or sensitization under normal conditions of use.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Disodium EDTA is a salt form of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

  • 02

    This ingredient contributes to the stability of cosmetic formulations.

  • 03

    Disodium EDTA assists preservatives in effectively performing their function within a product.

  • 04

    The CIR Expert Panel considers disodium EDTA safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 0.85% in leave-on products.

  • 05

    Disodium EDTA is also approved as a food additive.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent that helps stabilize cosmetic formulas by binding to minerals and trace elements, preventing them from interfering with other ingredients or reducing preservative effectiveness. This ingredient is considered safe for use in cosmetics and does not appear to be a skin sensitizer, carcinogen, or readily absorbed through the skin. It is commonly found in skincare, makeup, and hair care products, with concentrations typically up to 0.85% in leave-on formulations.
Classifications
Chelating Agent

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) and its salts were originally developed to address issues with hard water and heavy metal ions in textile manufacturing. These ingredients act as chelating agents, forming complexes with metals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. This binding action prevents these metals from depositing on hair, skin, and scalp, improving the performance of cosmetic formulations by enhancing foaming and cleaning capabilities. Chelating agents, also known as sequestrants, bind to and deactivate metallic ions, thereby preventing their negative impact on cosmetic product stability and appearance.

Common Uses

Formulation in Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA and related compounds work by binding to metal ions. This process prevents these metals from causing deterioration in cosmetic products, maintaining clarity, protecting fragrance ingredients, and preventing rancidity.

Role of Disodium EDTA

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

CHELATING

Metal Ion Binder

Binds metal ions to improve product stability

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Chelating agents form stable, water-soluble complexes with polyvalent metal ions (Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) through coordinate covalent bonds. Common chelators include EDTA, citric acid, phytic acid, and gluconates. The mechanism involves multidentate ligands wrapping around metal ions, preventing them from catalyzing oxidation reactions, causing discoloration, or reducing preservative efficacy.

VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Thickness Regulator

Adjusts product thickness and flow properties

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Viscosity controlling ingredients modify product flow characteristics through thickening or thinning. Thickeners include natural gums (xanthan, guar), synthetic polymers (carbomers, acrylates), and inorganic thickeners (silica, clays). Mechanism varies: polymer chain entanglement, hydrogen bonding networks, particle association, or swelling. Rheology modifiers create desired texture, prevent separation, control application properties, and affect sensory perception. Can produce Newtonian (constant viscosity) or non-Newtonian (shear-thinning, thixotropic) flow behavior.

Products

containing Disodium EDTA

25779 formulations
Pore Tightening Mask
Pore Tightening Mask
SHANGPREE
Black Premium Modelling Mask
Black Premium Modelling Mask
SHANGPREE
Pore Control Charcoal Mask Sheet
Pore Control Charcoal Mask Sheet
Dr. Althea
Silver Premium Modelling Mask
Silver Premium Modelling Mask
SHANGPREE
Green Premium Modelling Mask
Green Premium Modelling Mask
SHANGPREE
GPS Mask
GPS Mask
TROIAREUKE
Cicaherb Restore Serum
Cicaherb Restore Serum
E Nature
Absolue Precious Cells Nourishing and Revitalizing Rose Mask
Absolue Precious Cells Nourishing and Revitalizing Rose Mask
Lancome
Water Glow Ampoule Mask
Water Glow Ampoule Mask
Dr. Althea
Age Balancing Moisture
Age Balancing Moisture
Murad
See all products with Disodium EDTA

References

Scientific sources

[1]

Cosmeticsinfo.org, Accessed November 2021, ePublication

[2]

Cosmetic Ingredient Review, June 2019, pages 1-77

[3]

European Commission Directorate General for Health and Consumers, September 2015, ePublication

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disodium EDTA — common questions

What is Disodium EDTA in skincare?

Disodium EDTA is a chemical compound, specifically the disodium salt of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. It’s available as a crystalline powder or in aqueous solution form. Related compounds include calcium disodium EDTA, diammonium EDTA, dipotassium EDTA, TEA-EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, tripotassium EDTA and trisodium EDTA. HEDTA (hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine triacetic acid) and its trisodium salt, trisodium HEDTA are also related chelating agents. EDTA and its salts are substituted diamines, whil

What does Disodium EDTA do? / Functions of Disodium EDTA?

Common functions: CHELATING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING.

What is the comedogenic rating of Disodium EDTA? / Is Disodium EDTA comedogenic?

The comedogenic rating of Disodium EDTA has not been established in our database.

Does it clog pores?
No Rating Available

Whether Disodium EDTA clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.

Is Disodium EDTA safe for skin?
2 2/5 — Low risk

Disodium EDTA has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally considered safe in cosmetics (CIR); low irritation/sensitization risk at typical use levels. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Disodium EDTA is safe as use

Is Disodium EDTA good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Disodium EDTA has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Disodium EDTA in skincare?

Known considerations: Generally considered safe in cosmetics (CIR); low irritation/sensitization risk at typical use levels. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Disodium EDTA is safe as used in cosmetic products, with limited evidence of skin irritation or sensitization under normal conditions of use.

)