Tetrasodium EDTA

Tetrasodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate

ACTUALLY FINE, A chelator that keeps formulas stable. It barely penetrates skin and carries no hazard finding. Cleared, though it does nudge other ingredients in slightly.

What it is

A chelating agent derived from EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetate). Binds metal ions to prevent formula deterioration and enhance preservative efficacy. Also noted to slightly increase skin permeability by chelating calcium ions in the stratum corneum.

In this product: Chelating agent, keeps the formula stable and preservatives effective.

Dose & route, what actually matters

Dermal, rinse-off. Low skin penetration per CIR. The chelation of stratum corneum calcium ions may slightly enhance penetration of co-formulated ingredients.

EUROPEAN UNION

Permitted; not restricted in EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III or V.

UNITED STATES

Permitted. CIR (2002) concluded safe as used in cosmetic formulations.

The evidence

CIR final report (2002): 'Recognizing that these chelating agents are not likely to penetrate the skin, [the panel] considered that such use would be safe. Based on the available data, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel found that these ingredients are safe as used in cosmetic formulations.'

regulatory · 2002 · source

California Prop 65: Not listed.

Where it hides

Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal →Herbal Essences Hello Hydration →Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash →Irish Spring Original Clean Body Wash →Tide Original Liquid Laundry Detergent →Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent →Arm & Hammer Clean Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent →Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion →

Editorial analysis of publicly available regulatory and peer-reviewed sources. Not medical advice. We name our evidence and link it, including when an ingredient is fine.