“EDTA?”Here!edetate
Appears in 3 scanned products.
In personal care
A small synthetic molecule, usually used as a salt such as disodium or tetrasodium EDTA, that grabs onto metal ions like calcium, magnesium, and iron and holds them in a stable ring.
Why it’s used
Formulators add it in small amounts to bind trace metals that would otherwise degrade the product, dull fragrance, cause discoloration, or interfere with preservatives. It also helps preservatives work better by tying up metals that some bacteria use to build protective films.
What the evidence says
EDTA has been reviewed extensively by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review and the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, both of which consider it safe at the low concentrations typically used in cosmetics, generally well under 2 percent. It is poorly absorbed through intact skin. Environmental persistence has drawn separate scrutiny, since EDTA breaks down slowly in water systems, but that concern is about ecology and wastewater, not personal safety.
Context
At the small fractions of a percent used in shampoos, lotions, and cleansers, it functions purely as a behind-the-scenes stabilizer rather than an active ingredient the skin is meant to respond to. Rinse-off or leave-on makes little difference here given how little is used and how little penetrates skin.
Rumors
EDTA is a penetration enhancer that increases skin absorption of other harmful chemicals in a product.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- Rosemira Organics Skincare — a brand: makes and sells botanical skincare
How we know who this is
- “Rosemira Organics Skincare is an independent woman-owned company that makes practitioner-caliber formulations deeply rooted in Dr. Mira Herman’s years of working with herbs, nutrition, and medicine.” (their page)
- Rosemira Organics Skincare — a brand: makes and sells botanical skincare
EDTA in shampoo protects hair and scalp from hard-water mineral and metal deposits.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- You Probably Need a Haircut — a publisher: hair content site earning affiliate commissions on linked products
How we know who this is
- “You Probably Need a Haircut launched in April of 2020 to give hairstylists a way to make money during the COVID-19 lockdown.” (their page)
- “If we link to any product, you should assume that we’ll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you.” (their page)
- You Probably Need a Haircut — a publisher: hair content site earning affiliate commissions on linked products
EDTA from cosmetics is non-biodegradable and harms aquatic environments by binding heavy metals.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- Cosmébio — a professional body or practice: organic cosmetics label and association of member companies
How we know who this is
- “L’association Cosmébio, c’est bien plus qu’un label garantissant la composition des cosmétiques bio.” (their page)
- Cosmébio — a professional body or practice: organic cosmetics label and association of member companies
EDTA causes skin irritation and eczema and is a potent eye irritant.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- Annmarie Skin Care — a brand: sells handcrafted organic skin care
How we know who this is
- “Step 1: Curate At Annmarie Skin Care, we curate with organic and wildcrafted ingredients—from herbs to high-vibration plant extracts—that meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness for your skin and body.” (their page)
- “Take this 2-minute assessment for a personalized Annmarie Skin Care regimen for next-level results.” (their page)
- Annmarie Skin Care — a brand: sells handcrafted organic skin care
Tetrasodium EDTA in skin care is carcinogenic.
We haven’t found evidence strong enough to support this or rule it out.
What was measured is not yet noted.
Who’s saying this
- Annmarie Skin Care — a brand: sells handcrafted organic skin care
How we know who this is
- “Step 1: Curate At Annmarie Skin Care, we curate with organic and wildcrafted ingredients—from herbs to high-vibration plant extracts—that meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness for your skin and body.” (their page)
- “Take this 2-minute assessment for a personalized Annmarie Skin Care regimen for next-level results.” (their page)
- Annmarie Skin Care — a brand: sells handcrafted organic skin care
As a supplement
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Roll Call does not check drug interactions or assess personal safety.
A synthetic chelating agent, often used in its calcium disodium form, that binds trace metal ions.
Why it’s used
Added in small amounts to supplement formulations to bind trace metals that could otherwise promote oxidation, helping preserve color, flavor, and stability of the product.
What the evidence says
EDTA is not taken for a physiological effect in this context; it is a manufacturing and preservation aid. Regulatory bodies including the FDA have long permitted its use at low levels in foods and supplements for this stabilizing purpose.
Context
Not applicable — used at small, fixed manufacturing levels rather than a dose studied for effect.
Rumors
EDTA chelation therapy improves blood flow and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Unresolvedhealth and safety evidence
Studied in: adults aged 50+ with diabetes and a prior heart attack.
Measured as an outcome.
- Questions and Answers: The NIH Trials of EDTA Chelation Therapy for Coronary Heart Disease (Regulatory) · Funding not checked
Who’s saying this
- burickcenter.com — we couldn’t open the site to see who runs it
Where it shows up
and 2 more products