Ingredient · Updated
Disodium EDTA
Found in 22 productsSee all
Delallo Cannellini White Kidney Beans 
Great Value Great Northern Beans 
La Roche Posay Anthelios Body & Face Soft Finish Mineral Sunscreen Lotion: Moisturizing Day Skin Care, SPF 50 
Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body and Face Lotion Retinol Face and Body Lotion with Peptide Complex 
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner 
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 
Pampers Pampers Ultra Clean Baby Wipes - 624ct What is Disodium EDTA?
Disodium EDTA is a synthetic compound derived from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. It is used as a chelating agent, meaning it binds to metal ions, reducing their reactivity.
In personal care and food products, Disodium EDTA helps prevent spoilage and maintains color and stability by inhibiting metal contaminants. Health concerns have been raised about its potential to disrupt nutrient absorption, but the evidence is mixed, and it is considered safe in low concentrations by major food safety authorities.
When you see Disodium EDTA on a label, it is usually in small amounts, evaluated for safety in its approved uses.
Commonly found in: Body Lotion, Deodorant, Skin Care, Sunscreen, Hair Care, Canned Beans
What to watch
- There is concern about Disodium EDTA potentially affecting nutrient absorption in high amounts.
- Its environmental persistence raises concerns as it may contribute to pollution.
Benefits
- It helps maintain product stability by preventing degradation caused by metal ions.
- Used to enhance the effectiveness of preservatives and improve shelf life.
Disodium EDTA is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used appropriately.
Research indicates it is safe in current uses, but some studies suggest potential nutrient interaction issues.
Disodium EDTA is synthetic and not derived from animal sources, typically considered vegan-friendly.
Sources: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21
Scout's take
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
The case against
There are no significant risks associated with disodium EDTA in cosmetic products.
from the analysis of La Roche Posay Anthelios Body & Face Soft Finish Mineral Sunscreen Lotion: Moisturizing Day Skin Care, SPF 50 · echoed in 1 other analysisThere are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
from the analysis of Sun Bum Signature SPF 30 LotionMay increase skin absorption of other potentially harmful ingredients.
from the analysis of Pampers Pampers Ultra Clean Baby Wipes - 624ctPotential environmental concerns due to persistence.
from the analysis of Pampers SensitiveThe case for
It helps to stabilize the formulation and improve the efficacy of preservatives.
from the analysis of Sun Bum Signature SPF 30 LotionImproves product stability and prevents deterioration by binding metal ions.
from the analysis of Pampers Pampers Ultra Clean Baby Wipes - 624ctIt helps in enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the product.
from the analysis of La Roche Posay Anthelios Body & Face Soft Finish Mineral Sunscreen Lotion: Moisturizing Day Skin Care, SPF 50Stabilizes formulations and enhances preservative efficacy.
from the analysis of Pampers SensitiveIt acts as a chelating agent to improve product stability.
from the analysis of Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body and Face Lotion Retinol Face and Body Lotion with Peptide ComplexMore from Scout's analyses
Chelating agent that also acts as a penetration enhancer, increasing absorption of every other ingredient in the formula. Synthetic and bio-persistent.
from the analysis of CeraVe Hydrating Facial CleanserChelator; same penetration-enhancement and environmental-persistence concerns as Tetrasodium EDTA.
from the analysis of Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal ConditionerSynthetic chelator; poorly biodegradable.
from the analysis of Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50All 22 products with Disodium EDTA
Where Disodium EDTA shows up
- Skin Care 6 products
- Hair Care 4 products
- Beans 3 products
- Sunscreen 3 products
- Body Lotion 2 products
- Diapers & Wipes 2 products
Higher-scoring picks without Disodium EDTA
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Disodium EDTA, scoring 80 or above.
Scan any product to see every ingredient explained — and healthier swaps.