Disodium EDTA

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Disodium Edta?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Disodium Edta is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: Disodium EDTA is commonly used to keep cosmetic formulas stable and to help preservatives work. At the small amounts used in skin products it is generally low risk for adults, but it can irritate skin or eyes in some people.

What to Do

Use products that list this ingredient as directed. If you have sensitive skin, eczema, or open cuts, avoid it or do a small patch test first. Stop using the product if you get redness, burning, or eye irritation. Don’t apply to broken skin and avoid using it with other strong delivery or penetration products unless a product specifically says it’s safe.

⚠️Warnings

Main things to watch for: skin or eye irritation (classified under EU hazard labeling codes), and the fact that it can act as a penetration enhancer (reported by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Some safety assessments note data gaps and set limits on concentrations, and government reviews note it is not persistent or likely to build up in the body (Environment Canada, FDA/CIR referenced). Also be aware that some product verification programs restrict or require documentation for this ingredient in certified products.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: This ingredient is marked as an irritant for skin, eyes, or lungs under EU GHS hazard labeling. The data calls out a high irritation concern, so it can cause redness, stinging, or breathing irritation—especially on sensitive baby skin.
Absorbed: An industry safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, CIR) lists this chemical as a penetration enhancer. That means it can help other things get through the skin and can itself be absorbed into the body.
Organ Risk: Environment Canada has flagged non-reproductive organ-system toxicity for this substance, including notes that it can be harmful and is a medium human-health priority. That suggests repeated or high exposures could affect organs like the liver or kidneys.
Long-Term Risk: Because the ingredient can enhance skin absorption and has non-reproductive organ toxicity listings, repeated use raises concern for longer-term health effects. Industry reviews also note data gaps and concentration limits, meaning long-term safety depends on how much and how often it is used (Cosmetic Ingredient Review).

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Disodium EDTA

This ingredient may also be listed as:

disodium edtadisodium EDTADISODIUM EDTAETHYLENEDIAMINETETRACETIC ACID DISODIUM SALTDISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE-TETRAACETATEDB14600ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID DISODIUM SALT, 0.200N (0.1M) STANDARDIZED SOLUTIONMCULE-3011053235CTK8E5804E386D03945ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRA-ACETIC ACID DISODIUM SALTDISODIUM N,N'-1,2-ETHANEDIYLBIS(N-(CARBOXYMETHYL)GLYCINE)

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

Products Containing Disodium EDTA

This ingredient is found in the following products:

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

Research Articles on Disodium EDTA

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Disodium EDTA safety and effects.

Common Questions About Disodium EDTA

Is this safe for adults to use Disodium EDTA?

Yes, Disodium EDTA is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of Disodium EDTA for adults?

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

What are the absorbed risks of Disodium EDTA for adults?

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

What are the organ risk risks of Disodium EDTA for adults?

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

What are the long-term risk risks of Disodium EDTA for adults?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What products contain Disodium EDTA?

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

When can adults using products with Disodium EDTA?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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