EDTA

EDTA molecular structurePubChem

5+ year old children • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Edta?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Edta is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children aged 5 and up (school-age kids, pre-teens, teens) EDTA is usually low risk when used in normal amounts in skin products. The biggest concern is skin or eye irritation and the fact it can help other ingredients get into the skin.

✅What to Do

Use products made for children or those that list concentrations and safety testing. Avoid applying products with EDTA to broken, very red, or inflamed skin. If you try a new product, do a small patch test on the child’s inner forearm for 24 hours. Prefer rinse-off products (like shampoos and washes) over leave-on products when possible. Stop use and see a doctor if you notice lasting redness, swelling, stinging or any breathing problems.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for irritation (source: EU GHS hazard labeling codes) and note that EDTA can increase absorption of other ingredients (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Some government reviews have classified it for possible non-reproductive organ system effects (source: Environment Canada). Also, some product-safety programs restrict its use unless manufacturers provide safety data—so prefer products that are formulated and labeled for children.

Confidence: HIGH

Are you holding the product?

Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.

Scan the full label for free
Get instant analysis of all ingredients together

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 kid-friendly to use EDTA?

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

What are the irritant risks of EDTA for children?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What are the absorbed risks of EDTA for children?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

What are the organ risk risks of EDTA for children?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What products contain EDTA?

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

When can kids start using products with EDTA?

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

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product