Trisodium EDTA
Trisodium EDTA
- Role
- Binds metal ions so the formula keeps its stability and appearance.
- Catalog formulas
- 6
- Type
- Stability
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
The trisodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; according to CosIng, a chelating agent. As COSMILE Europe describes it, it binds metal ions that could otherwise impair the stability or appearance of a cosmetic product.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
It is found in small amounts as a stabilizer in water-based roll-ons and in the lotion of wipes. Some ingredient lists write it as "EDTA-3Na" with the INCI name in brackets. It does not reduce sweating.
In 2002 the CIR found EDTA and its salts, including the trisodium salt, safe as used in cosmetic formulations; the typical concentration of EDTA itself is below 2%, and that of the other salts lower still. COSMILE Europe notes that, because they biodegrade poorly, EDTA and its salts are monitored separately for their environmental behavior.
Clinical tests cited by the CIR showed no absorption of an EDTA salt through the skin. The CIR does, however, warn that EDTA can increase the penetration of some other substances, and COSMILE Europe notes that EDTA salts are irritating at high concentrations but are used at very low ones in cosmetics.
It is neither Disodium EDTA nor Tetrasodium EDTA: these are salts of the same acid with a different number of sodium atoms, and each has its own page in the atlas.
Products containing Trisodium 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.
- EU CosIng: Trisodium EDTA Supports: function, substance identity
- COSMILE Europe (CosIng data): Trisodium EDTA Supports: function, irritation, environmental aspects
- CIR: Final report on the safety assessment of EDTA and its salts (2002) Supports: safety assessment, concentrations, effect on penetration