Tetrasodium Edta

Also known as Tetrasodium edetate, EDTA tetrasodium salt, Edetate tetrasodium, Na4EDTA, Tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate

Tetrasodium EDTA (tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate; CAS 64-02-8; C10H12N2Na4O8) is the fully-neutralized tetrasodium salt of EDTA, used in cosmetic formulations at typical concentrations of 0.01–0.5% as a chelating agent to sequester divalent metal ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Cu2+), improve formulation stability, prevent metal-catalyzed oxidation of actives and fragrances, and enhance the activity of antimicrobial preservatives. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel assessed EDTA and its salts as a group and concluded they are safe as used in cosmetic formulations, with the assessment published in Int J Toxicol 21(Suppl. 2):95-142, 2002. Tetrasodium EDTA has its own individual QRT row (Finding=S, no conditions or concentration cap), as do all the other EDTA salts reviewed in that group assessment (Disodium EDTA, Trisodium EDTA, Dipotassium EDTA, Tripotassium EDTA, TEA-EDTA, and EDTA itself). Tetrasodium EDTA is the fully-dissociated anion form at cosmetic pH ranges and, like other EDTA salts, is poorly absorbed through intact skin due to its high ionic polarity and large molecular weight.