Disodium EDTA
Disodium EDTA
- Role
- Binds metal ions so the formula stays stable for longer.
- Catalog formulas
- 11
- Type
- Stability
- Verified
- 06.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
This salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid forms strong complexes with metal ions from water and raw materials. That way, metals have less effect on color, odor, clarity and preservative performance.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In water-based roll-ons and sprays it is usually present at a fraction of a percent. It does not reduce sweating and does not act as an active alongside aluminum salts.
In 2002 the CIR found EDTA and its salts safe in cosmetics in the described practices of use. Typical concentrations of disodium EDTA are up to 0.5%.
Clinical tests cited by the CIR showed no absorption of an EDTA salt through the skin. The CIR does, however, warn formulators that EDTA can increase the penetration of some other substances.
It is not the same as Tetrasodium EDTA: both are salts of the same acid, but with a different number of sodium atoms and a different solution acidity.
Products containing Disodium EDTA
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- CIR: Final report on the safety assessment of EDTA and its salts (2002) Supports: function, safety assessment, effect on penetration