Skincare Ingredient
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Trisodium EDTA
In Skincare: Is Trisodium EDTA Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Trisodium EDTA
Role of Trisodium 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 Trisodium EDTA
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References
Scientific sources
Journal of Applied Polymer Science, October 2020
Advances in Wound Care, July 2015, pages 415-421
International Journal of Toxicology, December 2001
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Frequently Asked Questions
Trisodium EDTA — common questions
What is Trisodium EDTA in skincare?
Trisodium EDTA is a chemical compound, specifically an ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid salt. It’s commonly found as a crystalline powder or in aqueous solutions and is used extensively in cosmetics and personal care products. Related forms include Calcium Disodium EDTA, Diammonium EDTA, Dipotassium EDTA, Disodium EDTA, TEA-EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, and Tripotassium EDTA. HEDTA (hydroxyethyl ethylenediamine triacetic acid) and its trisodium salt, Trisodium HEDTA, are also used.
What does Trisodium EDTA do? / Functions of Trisodium EDTA?
Common functions: CHELATING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Trisodium EDTA? / Is Trisodium EDTA comedogenic?
Trisodium 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?
Trisodium EDTA is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).
Is Trisodium EDTA safe for skin?
Trisodium 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/EWG indicate low toxicity and not carcinogenic or endocrine-disrupting at cosmetic use levels; rare mild irritation possible, more likely on compromised skin.
Is Trisodium EDTA good for sensitive skin?
Trisodium 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 Trisodium EDTA in skincare?
Known considerations: CIR/EWG indicate low toxicity and not carcinogenic or endocrine-disrupting at cosmetic use levels; rare mild irritation possible, more likely on compromised skin.