What Are the Benefits of Disodium EDTA?

What's In Your Makeup?

Disodium EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) is a crystalline powder used in a variety of cosmetics and skin care products such as moisturizers, skin cleansers, shampoo, hair conditioners, and hair color.

Function

Disodium EDTA binds metals required for normal cell division. Although it is not well absorbed by the skin, it enhances skin penetration of the other ingredients in the product.

Application

Disodium EDTA is used as a stabilizer, viscosity adjuster and preservative in cosmetics. It keeps other ingredients in the product from binding together and mutating. It also keeps cosmetics from turning rancid.

Concentration

The typical concentration of disodium EDTA is less than 2 percent, although many products contain less than that.

Clinical Trials

Disodium EDTA was found to have some adverse effects on the reproductive and developmental systems in animals, however the doses of disodium EDTA in these trails were much higher than the amount in cosmetics and were given orally rather than topically. Topical application was found to have no toxic effect.

Warning

Disodium EDTA in aerosol products can be problematic because of the risk of inhalation. Although the amount is far below a toxic level, disodium EDTA's ability to enhance the absorption of other, potentially more harmful ingredients that may also be in the product should be considered.

References

• Real Self
• Truth About Aging