Disodium EDTA

One of the commonly used stabilizing agents in cosmetic formulations to improve the durability of the performance is Disodium EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). It works as a chelating agent by binding metal ions coming either from water or from trace contaminations of other ingredients. If these metal ions are free in the product, they may catalyze oxidation, which will destabilize sensitive ingredients and lead to discoloration, rancidity, or changes in the product's texture and efficacy over time. Through its chelation, Disodium EDTA virtually "inactivates" these ions, making them unable to cause harmful reactions in the formula.
Besides its role in stability, Disodium EDTA increases the effectiveness of preservatives in formulation. Chelation inhibits microbial proliferation by making metals unavailable for the microbial nutrition, thereby rendering the environment unsuitable. Yet, despite playing this critical role in quality maintenance and the extension of shelf life, Disodium EDTA is generally used in very low concentration-approximately about 0.1% or less-so as to reduce any probable impact on the skin. It is generally considered safe by regulatory agencies such as the FDA and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel at such minimal amounts in use and it's also water-soluble and biodegradable. Disodium EDTA may be used at these very low levels and serve very important functions to the general stability of the formulation, especially in water-based formulations, maintaining freshness, color, and texture over time.