Product Description
Disodium EDTA – Product Introduction
Disodium EDTA, full name ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt, is a synthetic chelating agent. Basically, it's there to grab metal ions. It's not an active skincare ingredient, but without it, a lot of formulas start acting up.
What it does is chelate. The water and raw materials used in cosmetics always carry some metal ions – calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, that kind of thing. Those ions don't look like much, but they cause trouble: discoloration, weird smells, texture changes, or faster spoilage. Disodium EDTA goes in, grabs those ions one by one, and keeps them from messing things up. The formula stays stable.
Also, a lot of microorganisms need trace metals to grow. Disodium EDTA takes those metals away, so bacteria and fungi have a harder time multiplying. That takes some pressure off the preservatives. That's why it's often used as a preservative booster – works well with phenoxyethanol or parabens. It also helps prevent ingredients like vitamin C or vitamin E from oxidizing too early, since metal ions can speed up that process.
In rinse-off products, Disodium EDTA has an extra trick – it improves foam quality. Metal ions in water can mess with foam formation and stability. Get rid of them with EDTA, and the foam gets richer and rinses off more easily.
Typical use level in cosmetics is between 0.02% and 0.2%. Too little and the chelation isn't complete; too much is just overkill. It's water‑soluble – add it to the water phase. Room temperature works, but heat makes it faster. Works best around pH 4‑6, slightly acidic to neutral. It's a white crystalline powder, no smell, no taste.
On safety – the US CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) says it's safe in leave‑on products at up to 0.8%. At normal use levels, it's not a skin sensitizer and doesn't get absorbed through skin. But one thing to watch: in its concentrated powder form, it can irritate skin and eyes, so wear gloves and goggles when handling. There's also some environmental concern – EDTA doesn't break down easily in nature, so some brands are looking for alternatives. But in cosmetics today, it's still a very common unsung workhorse.
Disodium EDTA Characteristics
Appearance – White crystalline powder. No smell, no taste.
Solubility – Water‑soluble. Add to water phase – room temp works, heat makes it faster.
Safety – CIR says safe up to 0.8% in leave‑ons. At normal levels, not a sensitizer, not absorbed through skin.
Handling caution – Concentrated powder can irritate skin and eyes. Wear gloves and goggles when weighing.
Downside – Doesn't biodegrade easily. Some brands are moving away, but it's still a common workhorse.
Function – Chelating agent. Doesn't do much on its own, but keeps metal ions from ruining your formula.
COA (Certificate of Analysis)
| Test Item | Specification | Typical Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity (Microscopy + Gravimetric) | ≥ 98.0% | 98.7% | Meets spec; batch-to-batch variation is acceptable |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 2.0% | 0.6% | Low moisture, not prone to caking |
| Residue on Ignition (Silica content) | 90.0 – 99.0% | 96.5% | High value – indicates this product contains silica (likely as an anti-caking agent or carrier) |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 20 ppm | < 8 ppm | Well below limit |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 5 ppm | < 1 ppm | Pass |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 2 ppm | < 0.5 ppm | Pass |
| Particle Size (pass 80 mesh) | > 95% | 98.5% | Fine powder, good flowability |
| Needle Length (microscopy) | 50 – 250 μm | Conforms | Crystal size within range; uniformity is acceptable |
Processing Technology
Product Benefits
Stabilizes formulas
Grabs calcium, magnesium, iron, and other metal ions. Prevents discoloration, off‑smells, separation, and oxidation. Makes products last longer.
Protects active ingredients
Stops vitamin C, vitamin E, and other sensitive ingredients from breaking down too early (metal ions speed up that process).
Low use level
Typically 0.02% to 0.2%. A little goes a long way.
Improves foam
In cleansers and shampoos, it softens hard water. Gives richer, creamier foam that rinses off easily.
Applications
1. Skincare (serums, lotions, creams) – Prevents metal ions from oxidizing vitamin C, vitamin E, and other actives. Extends shelf life.
2.Cleansers, shampoos, body washes – Softens hard water, boosts lather and foam quality. Rinses clean without that slippery feel.
3.Sunscreens – Stabilizes the formula, stops metal ions from breaking down UV filters too fast.
4.Toners, sheet mask liquids – Controls discoloration and off‑smells. Keeps the product looking clear and smelling normal.
5.Makeup (foundation, micellar water) – Stabilizes emulsions, prevents separation or thickening.
Other Customizable Products (OEM / ODM)
We deliver end-to-end ODM/OEM solutions for Disodium EDTA-based formulations, transforming your concepts into market-ready products.
① Cooperation Models
OEM: Reproduce your formula with strict confidentiality and consistency
ODM: Full-service formulation, development, and manufacturing
② Key Process
Analysis & Design: Customized solutions based on your needs
Prototyping: Sample development with advanced hydrolysis control
Production: Certified manufacturing with rigorous quality testing
Why Choose Our Disodium EDTA?
Over a Decade of Expertise: 15+ years in specialty ingredient manufacturing
Natural Purity & Quality: Sourced from high-grade silicon precursors
Transparent & Traceable: Full documentation from raw material to final product
Advanced Technology: Proprietary stabilization methods for high bioavailability
Stable Supply Assurance: Robust supply chain and inventory management
Long-term Partnership: Committed to collaborative growth and customer success
FAQ
Q: 1. What is Disodium EDTA, really?
A: It's a chelator. Sounds technical, but basically it grabs metal ions. Water and raw materials always have tiny amounts of calcium, magnesium, iron - those can mess up your formula (change color, smell weird, go bad faster). EDTA just catches them and keeps things stable. Not a sexy ingredient, but it does the dirty work.
Q: Is it a preservative?
A: Not exactly. It doesn't kill bacteria directly. But it takes away the metals that bacteria need to grow, so your real preservatives work better. People call it a "preservative booster.
Q: How much do I usually need?
A:Most formulas do fine with 0.02% to 0.2%. More than that is just wasting money. For leave‑on products, stay under 0.8% - that's what safety reviews say. Rinse‑offs can go a bit higher, but you rarely need to.
Q: How do I add it to my formula?
A:Easy. It's water‑soluble. Just put it in the water phase. Stirring at room temperature works, though warming it up helps it dissolve faster. Best pH is around 4‑6. Too acidic or too alkaline and it won't work as well.
Q: Does it clash with other ingredients?
A:Not usually. But one thing to watch: it can bind with certain cationic ingredients (like some cationic surfactants or polymers). That might make both of them less effective. If you're mixing them, do a small test first.
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