EDTA

EDTA molecular structurePubChem

2-5 year old preschoolers • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Safe for preschoolers to use Edta?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Edta is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children when used in topical products. Consider preschooler activity levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers and preschoolers (2–5 years), EDTA is usually low risk in small amounts used in everyday shampoos and washes. The main issue is it can irritate skin and may help other chemicals soak in more easily, so be careful with children who have sensitive skin or eczema.

✅What to Do

Choose products made for young children, especially rinse-off items like shampoos and body washes. If you need to use a leave-on product with EDTA, use it sparingly and not on broken or inflamed skin. Do a small patch test on the inside of the forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use. If your child has eczema or very sensitive skin, prefer products without EDTA or ask your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, stinging, rash, swelling, or increased irritation—stop use right away if these happen. EDTA is listed as an irritant under EU hazard rules and is noted by safety reviewers to increase skin penetration (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). An environmental health assessment (Environment Canada) has raised concerns about non-reproductive organ system effects, and industry reviewers note data gaps and concentration limits. Avoid applying EDTA-containing products to cuts, scrapes, or active rashes, and avoid getting them in the eyes.

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

Safe for preschoolers to use EDTA?

Yes, EDTA is generally considered safe for 2-5 year old children based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of EDTA for preschoolers?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the absorbed risks of EDTA for preschoolers?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the organ risk risks of EDTA for preschoolers?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What products contain EDTA?

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

Is this suitable for preschoolers to using products with EDTA?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 2-5 year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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