EDTA

EDTA molecular structurePubChem

0-6 month old newborns • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Edta?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 3 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Edta is generally considered safe for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and babies under 6 months: EDTA is usually low risk when used on the skin, but it can sometimes cause irritation and may help other ingredients pass through baby skin more easily. Because baby skin is delicate, we are a bit more careful with it.

✅What to Do

Choose products that list EDTA in small amounts and are made for babies. Avoid lotions or cleansers with EDTA on newborns' broken skin. Do a small patch test on the arm first, keep products away from the eyes, and use only as much as needed. If your baby has eczema, very sensitive skin, or you are unsure, check with your pediatrician before regular use.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, stinging, rash, or eye irritation after using a product that contains EDTA — these signs are the main concern (based on European hazard labeling). Also note that an industry safety review flagged that EDTA can increase how much other ingredients get into the skin, and a government review (Environment Canada) raised questions about non-reproductive organ effects at higher exposures. If you see irritation or any unusual symptoms, stop use and contact your pediatrician.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: This ingredient is officially classed as an irritant for skin, eyes, or lungs under the European hazard labeling system, so it can cause redness, stinging, or eye irritation especially on sensitive baby skin.
Absorbed: An independent cosmetic safety review notes this ingredient can act as a penetration enhancer, which means it can help other chemicals pass through the skin and into the body.
Organ Risk: A government health assessment lists this chemical as expected to be toxic or harmful to non-reproductive organs and gives it a medium human-health priority, meaning repeated or high exposure could affect organs like the liver or kidneys.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for EDTA

This ingredient may also be listed as:

ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID, 99.995% TRACE METALS BASISEDETIC ACID; EDTA; (ETHYLENEDINITRILO)TETRAACETIC ACID; EDATHAMIL[{2-[BIS(CARBOXYMETHYL)AMINO]ETHYL}(CARBOXYMETHYL)AMINO]ACETIC ACIDETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID, BIOULTRA, >=99.0% (KT)2,2',2'',2'''-(ETHANE-1,2-DIYLBIS(AZANETRIYL))TETRAACETIC ACIDETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID, 0.5M AQ. SOLUTION, PH 8.0EDETIC ACID, UNITED STATES PHARMACOPEIA (USP) REFERENCE STANDARDETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID, ACS REAGENT, 99.4-100.6%, POWDERETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID, SAJ SPECIAL GRADE, >=99.0%ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID, ANHYDROUS, FREE-FLOWING, POWDER, REDI-DRI(TM), ACS REAGENT, 99.4-100.6%

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing EDTA

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain EDTA or its alternative names.

Common Questions About EDTA

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use EDTA?

Yes, EDTA is generally considered safe for 0-6 month old babies based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of EDTA for newborns?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the absorbed risks of EDTA for newborns?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of EDTA for newborns?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain EDTA?

EDTA is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with EDTA?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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