DiSodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA — INCI Product Details

INCI name: Disodium EDTA
Chemical name: Disodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Ingredient category: Chelating and formulation-stabilising agent
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Solubility: Water-soluble; solubility decreases in strongly acidic formulations

Some commercial products are supplied as Disodium EDTA Dihydrate, CAS 6381-92-6, with a molecular weight of 372.24 g/mol. Confirm the exact grade using the supplier’s certificate of analysis.

Product description

Disodium EDTA is a highly effective chelating agent used to improve the stability, appearance and performance of cosmetic and personal-care products. It binds unwanted metal ions—such as iron, copper, calcium and magnesium—that may enter formulations through water, equipment or raw materials.

By controlling these metal ions, Disodium EDTA helps prevent discolouration, unpleasant odours, rancidity, loss of clarity and degradation of sensitive ingredients. It can also improve preservative performance by making environmental conditions less favourable for microorganisms. However, it is not a complete preservative and should not replace a properly selected broad-spectrum preservation system.

Cosmetic benefits

• Improves formulation stability

• Reduces metal-induced oxidation

• Helps prevent colour and fragrance changes

• Supports product clarity

• Enhances the performance of some preservative systems

• Improves product performance in hard water

• Protects sensitive oils, fragrances and botanical extracts

Recommended usage rate

0.05–0.20% is suitable for most cosmetic formulations. Approximately 0.10% is commonly used.

Higher levels should only be used when supported by the supplier’s recommendation and finished-product testing.

Formulation guidance

• Add to the water phase, preferably near the beginning of production.

• Mix until completely dissolved before adding gums, emulsifiers or other ingredients.

• Gentle heating can accelerate dissolution.

• Disodium EDTA has limited solubility below approximately pH 3.5.

• It is generally better suited to mildly acidic and near-neutral formulations.

• Always check the final product’s pH after incorporation.

Applications

Suitable for:

• Creams and lotions

• Facial cleansers

• Shampoos and conditioners

• Shower gels and body washes

• Liquid soaps

• Toners and serums

• Hair treatments

• Colour cosmetics

Finished-product ingredient declaration: Disodium EDTA