What it is
The disodium salt of EDTA, a widely used chelating agent.
What it does
Improves preservative efficacy by binding metal ions that would otherwise inactivate preservatives.
Why it’s a concern
Same environmental persistence concerns as tetrasodium EDTA. Can act as a penetration enhancer in topicals. Low acute toxicity.
Also known as
disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate
CAS numbers
139-33-3
Commonly found in
shampoolotioneye drops
Safer alternatives
- sodium phytate
- gluconolactone
Sources
- CIR Final Report on EDTA