INCI: EDTA · CAS: 60-00-4
EDTA (Disodium EDTA)
A chelating agent that improves preservative performance.
About EDTA (Disodium EDTA)
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is an aminopolycarboxylic acid that strongly chelates divalent and trivalent metal ions (e.g., Ca2+, Fe3+). In its free-acid form it is poorly water-soluble and typically neutralized to make highly soluble salts used in formulations. In cosmetic and personal care applications, the industry most commonly uses its salts (Disodium EDTA or Tetrasodium EDTA) to improve stability, protect against metal-catalyzed oxidation, and enhance preservative efficacy. EDTA is widely used across industries including water treatment, detergents, pharma, and cosmetics.
Function: chelating agent, stabilizer, antioxidant booster, preservative potentiator, water softener
Recommended Usage
Skin care: 0.05–0.2% (note: free-acid EDTA has low solubility; formulators typically use Disodium EDTA or Tetrasodium EDTA instead at similar levels)
Hair care: 0.05–0.3% (use salt forms for easy incorporation and pH compatibility; the acid form generally requires significant neutralization)
Regulatory Status
- EU (max No specific maximum; use according to safety assessment.): Not specifically restricted in the Cosmetics Regulation when used as a chelating/stabilizing ingredient; subject to general safety requirements and labeling.
- US (max No specific maximum; use according to safety assessment.): Allowed in cosmetics as a chelating/stabilizing ingredient; must be safe for intended use under normal conditions.
- ASEAN (max No specific maximum; use according to safety assessment.): Permitted as a chelating/stabilizing agent; compliance with ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and safety assessment required.
Suppliers & Distributors
- Dow Inc. (Manufacturer)
- BASF SE (Manufacturer)
- Nouryon (Manufacturer)
- Univar Solutions (Distributor)
- Brenntag (Distributor)
- IMCD (Distributor)
Common questions about EDTA (Disodium EDTA)
What is EDTA (Disodium EDTA)?
A chelating agent that improves preservative performance.
What is the INCI name for EDTA (Disodium EDTA)?
The INCI name for EDTA (Disodium EDTA) is EDTA. INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) is the standardized naming system used on cosmetic product labels worldwide.
What is the CAS number for EDTA (Disodium EDTA)?
The CAS number for EDTA (Disodium EDTA) (EDTA) is 60-00-4. The CAS number is the unique chemical identifier assigned by the Chemical Abstracts Service.
What does EDTA (Disodium EDTA) do in cosmetic formulations?
In cosmetic formulations, EDTA (Disodium EDTA) (EDTA) functions as: chelating agent, stabilizer, antioxidant booster, preservative potentiator, water softener.
What percentage of EDTA (Disodium EDTA) is typically used in cosmetics?
Typical use levels for EDTA (Disodium EDTA) (EDTA) in cosmetic formulations: In skin care: 0.05–0.2% (note: free-acid EDTA has low solubility; formulators typically use Disodium EDTA or Tetrasodium EDTA instead at similar levels). In hair care: 0.05–0.3% (use salt forms for easy incorporation and pH compatibility; the acid form generally requires significant neutralization). Always confirm against the supplier's technical data sheet and the regulatory limits for your target market.
Is EDTA (Disodium EDTA) allowed in cosmetics in major markets?
EDTA (Disodium EDTA) (EDTA) is regulated as follows in major markets: EU (max No specific maximum; use according to safety assessment.); US (max No specific maximum; use according to safety assessment.); ASEAN (max No specific maximum; use according to safety assessment.). See the Regulatory Status section above for the specific restrictions and conditions in each territory.
Who manufactures EDTA (Disodium EDTA)?
EDTA (Disodium EDTA) (EDTA) is manufactured by suppliers including Dow Inc., BASF SE, Nouryon, LANXESS AG. Sign in to Chemdex to see full contact details, SDS / TDS documents, and regional offices for every supplier.