Disodium EDTA is a stabilizer that is used in cosmetics. EDTA stands for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. You’ll see it in personal care products and cosmetics. Disodium EDTA is on the ingredient list for everything from moisturizers to bath soaps to other skin care and cleansing products. You’ll find it in hair dyes and bleaches and shampoos and conditioners as well.
Prevents Deterioration
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. In essence, it bonds to metal ions that exist in water and inactivates them. This helps to keep minerals and other trace elements from binding with other ingredients in a cosmetic formulation, says Paula Begoun, author of “The Original Beauty Bible.” This prevents deterioration of your cosmetics and other personal care products and prevents rancidity, reports the Cosmetics Info website.
Improves Texture and Function
Disodium EDTA also prevents unwanted changes to a product’s odor, consistency and texture, says Begoun. This can boost a product’s performance, notes Cosmetics Info. When disodium EDTA forms complexes with calcium, iron or magnesium it results in better foaming and cleaning performance, for example.
Prevents Metal Deposits
When the disodium EDTA in your personal care products binds with metal ions, it prevents the metals in a formulation from getting deposited onto your skin, scalp or hair, according to Cosmetics Info.
Edible Uses
Disodium EDTA is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug administration for use as a food ingredient. It is used in vitamins, medicines and food. It can have several results. For example, it’s used in liquid multivitamins with iron salts as a stabilizer for vitamin B 12. In products such as canned beans it helps the food retain its color. In salad dressings it can act as a preservative, according to the FDA.
