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Skincare Ingredient

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EDTA

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

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

Safety Information

Chelating agent used to stabilize formulations by binding metal ions. Generally recognized as safe in cosmetic use by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, with low potential for irritation or comedogenicity; however, safety data is limited for long-term or high-concentration exposure.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    EDTA is also known as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

  • 02

    As a stabilizer, EDTA helps maintain the integrity of cosmetic formulations.

  • 03

    EDTA prevents ingredients from reacting with trace elements that may be present in water.

Overview

Ingredient Profile

EDTA, or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, is a chelating agent that helps stabilize cosmetic formulas. It works by binding to trace minerals in water, preventing them from reacting with other ingredients and potentially altering a product's texture, odor, or consistency. Forms of EDTA commonly used in skincare include disodium EDTA and tetrasodium EDTA.
Classifications
Chelating Agent

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

EDTA (also known as edetic 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 complexation improves the foaming capabilities of cleansing products and prevents metal buildup on hair and skin, contributing to cleaner results.

Common Uses

Formulation in EDTA

EDTA and its salts are used to bind with metal ions, effectively neutralizing their effects. This binding prevents the degradation of cosmetic formulations and helps maintain product clarity. It also protects fragrance compounds from breakdown and inhibits rancidity, extending the shelf life of products.

Role of 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.

Products

containing EDTA

789 formulations
UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 70g
UV Athlizm Skin Protect Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ 70g
Biore · sunscreen
All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+/PA+++
All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+/PA+++
Missha · sunscreen
iP Skin Care UV Protector SPF50+ PA++++ - 01 For Dry Skin
iP Skin Care UV Protector SPF50+ PA++++ - 01 For Dry Skin
Sofina · sunscreen
Protetor Solar Mousse FPS 50
Protetor Solar Mousse FPS 50
Adcos · sunscreen
The Cleansing Gel
The Cleansing Gel
La Mer · cleanser
Skincare UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
Skincare UV Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
Sekkisui · sunscreen
Actine Control Gel De Limpeza
Actine Control Gel De Limpeza
Darrow · cleanser
Cleansing Gel
Cleansing Gel
Paul & Joe · cleanser
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk (2020)
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk (2020)
Shiseido · sunscreen
Reihaku Hatomugi UV Milky Gel SPF 31 PA+++
Reihaku Hatomugi UV Milky Gel SPF 31 PA+++
KUMANO COSME · sunscreen
See all products with EDTA

References

Scientific sources

[1]

International Journal of Toxicology

[2]

2002

[3]

pages 95-142

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

EDTA — common questions

What is EDTA in skincare?

Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and its salts – including Calcium Disodium EDTA, Diammonium EDTA, Dipotassium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, TEA-EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tripotassium EDTA and Trisodium EDTA – are crystalline powders often supplied as aqueous solutions. These ingredients, along with related compounds like HEDTA (hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine triacetic acid) and its trisodium salt, Trisodium HEDTA, are commonly found in a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products such as moist

What does EDTA do? / Functions of EDTA?

Common functions: CHELATING.

What is the comedogenic rating of EDTA? / Is EDTA comedogenic?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

EDTA has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it clog pores?
Unlikely to Clog Pores

EDTA is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).

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

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: Chelating agent used to stabilize formulations by binding metal ions. Generally recognized as safe in cosmetic use by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, with low potential for irritati

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

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 EDTA in skincare?

Known considerations: Chelating agent used to stabilize formulations by binding metal ions. Generally recognized as safe in cosmetic use by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, with low potential for irritation or comedogenicity; however, safety data is limited for long-term or high-concentration exposure.

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