EDTA

EDTA molecular structurePubChem

6-12 month old babies • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Edta?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Edta is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For babies 6–12 months old, EDTA in small amounts (as typically used in baby shampoos and creams) is usually low risk on the skin. The biggest issues are that it can irritate sensitive skin and may increase how much other ingredients get into the skin, so watch for redness or stinging.

✅What to Do

Choose baby products made for infants and preferably rinse-off items (like baby shampoos) rather than leave-on products. Avoid using products containing EDTA on broken, very red, or inflamed skin. If you’re trying a new product, do a small patch test on a non-sensitive area and wait 24 hours. Stop use and contact your pediatrician if you see persistent redness, swelling, blisters, or your baby seems uncomfortable.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for skin irritation and eye irritation — EDTA is classified as an irritant under EU labeling guidance. Safety reviewers have noted it can act as a penetration enhancer (Cosmetic Ingredient Review), which is why you should be careful with leave-on products or products used on damaged skin. Environment Canada has identified some non-reproductive organ-system concerns, so some product verification programs restrict its use unless manufacturers provide extra safety data. Common long-term concerns (cancer, allergy, developmental effects) are rated low in the available data, so those are less likely but always report any unusual reactions to your pediatrician.

Confidence: HIGH

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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

Can older babies safely use EDTA?

Yes, EDTA is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of EDTA for older babies?

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 older babies?

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 older babies?

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.

Is this appropriate for older babies to using products with EDTA?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 6-12 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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