The role of EDTA in cosmetics and its impact on the environment

What is EDTA

EDTA is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and is also known as EDTA. It is a water-soluble ingredient that is often found in skin and body care products.

There are several types of EDTA, but EDTA2Na and EDTA4Na are commonly used in cosmetics. The main difference between the two is their molecular structure and pH value. The purpose of adding them to cosmetics is the same.

EDTA is mainly used as a chelating agent in cosmetics, but it also has a preservative effect and improves foaming of cleaning agents.

The role of EDTA in cosmetics

Chelating effect

As mentioned above, EDTA is used as a chelating agent, which is a compound that binds with mineral ions and inactivates them. It prevents the functionality of cosmetic ingredients from being hindered in water with a high mineral content or hard water.

Originally, EDTA was used in the manufacture of textile products such as clothing. EDTA is used to soften the hard water used in textile processing. It has also been used to wash away metal ions that have adhered to textiles.

In cosmetics, it also combines with calcium, magnesium, and iron to form complexes that improve the lather and cleaning power of products. These complexes also help prevent mineral buildup on the skin and hair.

Antiseptic properties

Due to its chelating properties mentioned above, EDTA also acts as a preservative .
By inactivating minerals such as calcium, zinc, and magnesium within cells, it prevents the growth of biofilms. Biofilms are protective barriers that bacteria create to protect themselves from the environment. If biofilms can no longer be produced, bacteria will be unable to grow.

Increased penetration

In addition to its use as a preservative, it has been reported that it may promote deeper penetration of other ingredients. However, it is not just good ingredients that are promoted to penetrate deeper. Ingredients that have undesirable effects on the skin and health can also be promoted to penetrate deeper.

When using cosmetics, be sure to check what other ingredients are included. EDTA itself is not believed to be absorbed through the skin.

Safety of EDTA

Generally, EDTA is used in cosmetics at a concentration of 2% or less. This concentration is considered safe. It has not been found to be carcinogenic or irritating to the skin or eyes.

Some have pointed out its toxicity to reproductive function. EDTA is a weak mutagen, and it has been suggested that ingesting large amounts of the chelating agent orally may affect reproductive function.

However, these findings were the results of research carried out using concentrations far exceeding those used in skin care products, and it is considered highly unlikely that skin care products would be affected by these effects.

Environmental impact of EDTA

EDTA does not appear to have any adverse effects on the human body or skin, but what about its impact on the natural environment?

In fact, EDTA is a component with poor biodegradability. After being discharged into the sea, it combines with ions present in nature, and its impact on the lives of aquatic organisms is considered problematic . This is because EDTA discharged by humans may be robbing aquatic organisms of minerals they need.

The Japanese Environment Agency has also designated it as a substance that is the subject of detailed investigation. In addition, due to concerns about its impact on the environment, efforts have been made around the world in recent years to develop biodegradable chelating agents to replace EDTA.