Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent)

Disodium EDTA

Powerful chelating agent used to improve stability, boost preservative performance, and protect cosmetic formulations from metal-induced degradation.

INCI Name: Disodium EDTA

Appearance: White crystalline powder

Solubility: Water-soluble

Function: Chelating agent, stability enhancer, preservative booster

Disodium EDTA is widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations to bind trace metal ions that can negatively affect product stability, color, fragrance, and preservative performance. It is commonly found in cleansers, shampoos, lotions, creams, serums, and emulsions.

Supplied as a cosmetic raw material for formulation use.

What It Does

Disodium EDTA binds metal ions such as iron, copper, calcium, and magnesium that may be present in raw materials, processing equipment, or water supplies. By reducing the impact of these metals, it helps improve product stability, reduce discoloration, support fragrance integrity, and enhance preservative effectiveness.

Key Benefits

• Improves long-term formula stability.
• Enhances preservative system performance.
• Helps reduce oxidation and discoloration.
• Supports fragrance and color stability.
• Effective in a wide range of cosmetic formulations.
• Works at very low use levels.

Typical Use Levels

• 0.05–0.10% — General cosmetic stabilization
• 0.10–0.20% — Enhanced chelation and preservation support
• 0.20–0.50% — Specialized applications where higher chelation is required

How to Incorporate

• Dissolve completely into the water phase before adding other ingredients.
• Add during the early stages of formulation.
• Compatible with most cosmetic surfactants, emulsifiers, preservatives, and active ingredients.

Formulation Notes

• Frequently paired with preservative systems such as PE 9010 and Geogard blends.
• Can help reduce color changes caused by trace metals.
• Particularly useful when using botanical extracts and sensitive actives.
• Works effectively across a broad pH range.
• Small amounts often provide significant stability improvements.

Common Applications

• Shampoos and conditioners
• Facial cleansers
• Creams and lotions
• Serums and toners
• Body washes
• Water-based cosmetic formulations

One of the least glamorous ingredients in a formula and often one of the most useful. Its main job is stopping trace metals from quietly sabotaging months of formulation work.

Documents

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Keep container tightly sealed.
• Protect from moisture and contamination.

Disclaimer

This material is supplied for cosmetic formulation use only. Users are responsible for evaluating suitability, stability, preservative efficacy, and regulatory compliance within finished formulations.