Tetrasodium EDTA (EDTA 4Na)
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INCI Name:
Tetrasodium EDTA
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Chemical Name:
Tetrasodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate
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CAS Number:
64-02-8
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Molecular Formula:
C₁₀H₁₂N₂Na₄O₈
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Appearance:
White crystalline powder or clear colorless liquid (depending on the grade)
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Chemical Type:
Chelating Agent / Water Softener / Stabilizer
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Suitable For:
Shampoos, Face Washes, Body Washes, Liquid Soaps, Hand Washes, Household Cleaners, Creams, Lotions, and Cosmetic Formulations
Key Benefits:
- Powerful chelating agent that binds metal ions
- Improves formulation stability and shelf life
- Enhances preservative effectiveness
- Prevents discoloration and oxidation
- Improves foam performance in cleansing products
- Helps maintain product clarity and consistency
Benefits & Uses (Short):
- Used in shampoos and body washes
- Ideal for face washes and liquid soaps
- Suitable for household cleaning products
- Used in creams and lotions
- Improves stability in cosmetic formulations
Recommended Usage Level:
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Shampoos & Conditioners: 0.05% – 0.2%
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Face Washes & Body Washes: 0.05% – 0.2%
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Liquid Soaps & Hand Washes: 0.05% – 0.3%
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Creams & Lotions: 0.05% – 0.2%
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Household Cleaners: 0.1% – 0.5%
Formulation Tip: Dissolve Tetrasodium EDTA completely in the water phase before adding surfactants or other ingredients. It is especially effective in alkaline formulations.
How It Works (Short):
- Chelates metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper that can destabilize formulations
- Prevents oxidation, discoloration, and ingredient degradation
- Enhances preservative performance by reducing metal ion interference
- Improves foam performance in hard water conditions
- Maintains clarity, stability, and product quality over time
- Blends exceptionally well with SLES, CAPB, Decyl Glucoside, Coco Glucoside, Glycerin, EDTA 2Na, Optiphen, Geogard ECT, Phenoxyethanol, and most cosmetic surfactants
Key Benefits for Cosmetic Formulations:
- High-performance chelating agent
- Improves product stability
- Enhances preservative efficiency
- Excellent for surfactant-based formulations
- Suitable for skincare, hair care, and household products
FAQs:
Q: What is Tetrasodium EDTA used for?
A: Tetrasodium EDTA is used as a chelating agent in shampoos, face washes, liquid soaps, body washes, and cleaners to improve stability, preservative performance, and product shelf life.
Q: What is the difference between Disodium EDTA and Tetrasodium EDTA?
A: Disodium EDTA (EDTA 2Na) is generally preferred for acidic to neutral formulations (pH 4–8), while Tetrasodium EDTA (EDTA 4Na) performs best in neutral to alkaline formulations (pH 7–12) such as liquid soaps and many cleaning products.
Q: Is Tetrasodium EDTA a preservative?
A: No. It is not a preservative but enhances the effectiveness of preservative systems by binding metal ions.
Q: Is Tetrasodium EDTA water-soluble?
A: Yes. It is highly soluble in water and should be added to the water phase during formulation.
Q: What ingredients blend well with Tetrasodium EDTA?
A: SLES, Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB), Decyl Glucoside, Coco Glucoside, Glycerin, Optiphen, Geogard ECT, Phenoxyethanol, Allantoin, Panthenol, and Aloe Vera Extract.
