Ingredient Guide
Disodium EDTA
Also known as: Disodium EDTA, Disodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, Edetate Disodium
All skin types
What It Is
A chelating agent derived from EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). Used in cosmetics to bind metal ions that would otherwise destabilize the formula.
What It Does
Prevents metal ions (calcium, magnesium, iron) present in water from deactivating preservatives or causing formula discoloration and degradation.
Best For
Formula stability — functional ingredient
Benefits
- Protects preservative efficacy by sequestering metal ions
- Prevents formula degradation over shelf life
- Present at very low concentrations — negligible skin interaction
When to Be Careful
- Environmental concerns about EDTA biodegradability — alternatives are in development
Commonly Found In
MoisturizersSerumsCleansersVirtually any preserved water-based formula
FAQs About Disodium EDTA
Why is disodium EDTA in skincare?
It's a chelating agent — it binds metal ions that would otherwise interfere with preservatives and cause the product to degrade. It's a formulation stability ingredient with no direct skin function.