Skincare Ingredient
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Tetrasodium EDTA
In Skincare: Is Tetrasodium EDTA Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Tetrasodium EDTA prevents minerals and metals present in water from interacting with other formulation ingredients.
- 02
By chelating metal ions, tetrasodium EDTA helps maintain a product’s intended texture, scent, and consistency.
- 03
Tetrasodium EDTA is the tetrasodium salt of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA).
- 04
Tetrasodium EDTA is chemically related to disodium EDTA and trisodium EDTA.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Tetrasodium EDTA
Role of Tetrasodium EDTA
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
CHELATING
Metal Ion BinderBinds 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 Tetrasodium EDTA
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References
Scientific sources
Journal of Applied Polymer Science, April 2021, pages 1-12
Advances in Wound Care, June 2015,pages 415-421
International Journal of Toxicology, January 2002, pages 95-142
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Frequently Asked Questions
Tetrasodium EDTA — common questions
What is Tetrasodium EDTA in skincare?
Tetrasodium EDTA is a crystalline powder, often supplied as an aqueous solution. It’s part of a family of ingredients including Calcium Disodium EDTA, Diammonium EDTA, Dipotassium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, TEA-EDTA, Tripotassium EDTA and Trisodium EDTA. These ingredients are used in a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products, such as moisturizers, cleansers, bath soaps, shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes, and bleaching products.
What does Tetrasodium EDTA do? / Functions of Tetrasodium EDTA?
Common functions: CHELATING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Tetrasodium EDTA? / Is Tetrasodium EDTA comedogenic?
The comedogenic rating of Tetrasodium EDTA has not been established in our database.
Does it clog pores?
Whether Tetrasodium EDTA clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.
Is Tetrasodium EDTA safe for skin?
Tetrasodium 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: CIR and safety assessments consider it safe in cosmetics at typical use levels; low irritation/sensitization risk. Main concerns are enhanced penetration of other ingredients and environmental persist
Is Tetrasodium EDTA good for sensitive skin?
Tetrasodium 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 Tetrasodium EDTA in skincare?
Known considerations: CIR and safety assessments consider it safe in cosmetics at typical use levels; low irritation/sensitization risk. Main concerns are enhanced penetration of other ingredients and environmental persistence. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Tetrasodium EDTA is safe as used in cosmetic products, though environmental concerns have been raised due to its potential persistence and bioaccumulation in aquatic ecosystems.