HomeIngredient LibraryDisodium EDTA

Chelator

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA is a chelator, preservative booster, stabilizer used in cosmetic and personal-care formulation. Typical use level is 0.01%–0.2%. It is water-soluble. Stable in the pH 4–9 range.

At a glance

CAS number
139-33-3
INCI name
Disodium EDTA
Function
chelator, preservative booster, stabilizer
Typical use level
0.01%–0.2%
Solubility
water
Stable pH
4–9

CAS number and synonyms are sourced from PubChem. Function, usage levels, pH and compatibility are AI-assisted formulation guidance — verify against your supplier's technical data sheet and applicable regulations before use.

Also known as

EDTA disodium salt Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt Disodium EDTA Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate EDTA 2Na ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium salt EDTAdisodiumsalt Dissolvine NA2P EDTA disodium salt, 95% ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid disodium salt Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt BP

Compatibility

Works well with:
Parabens Phenoxyethanol Sodium Benzoate Niacinamide Hyaluronic Acid Glycerin Carbomer Xanthan Gum Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Retinol

Use caution with:
Calcium-rich hard water Zinc Oxide Titanium Dioxide (uncoated) Polyvalent metal salts Cationic surfactants (high concentration)

Disodium EDTA sequesters divalent and trivalent metal ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺), which can destabilize formulations containing metal-dependent ingredients or mineral actives like uncoated zinc oxide. It enhances the efficacy of broad-spectrum preservative systems by disrupting microbial cell membranes. At high concentrations, it may interact with cationic surfactants or cationic polymers due to charge interactions.

Formulation notes

EU Cosmetics Regulation restricts Disodium EDTA use; it is permitted but subject to environmental scrutiny due to poor biodegradability. Typical effective concentration is 0.05–0.1%. Always add to the water phase during formulation. Not considered a primary preservative on its own.

Frequently asked questions

What is Disodium EDTA?

Disodium EDTA is a chelator, preservative booster, stabilizer used in cosmetic and personal-care formulation. Typical use level is 0.01%–0.2%. It is water-soluble. Stable in the pH 4–9 range.

What is Disodium EDTA used for?

Disodium EDTA is used as chelator, preservative booster, stabilizer in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.

What is the typical use level of Disodium EDTA?

Disodium EDTA is typically used at 0.01%–0.2% in the finished formulation. Always confirm against your supplier's technical data sheet.

What is the CAS number of Disodium EDTA?

The CAS registry number for Disodium EDTA is 139-33-3. Its INCI name is Disodium EDTA.

At what pH is Disodium EDTA stable?

Disodium EDTA is generally stable in the pH 4–9 range.

What ingredients are compatible with Disodium EDTA?

Disodium EDTA works well with Parabens, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Retinol. Use caution when combining it with Calcium-rich hard water, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (uncoated), Polyvalent metal salts, Cationic surfactants (high concentration).

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