What Is EDTA-2Na? Uses, Benefits & Buying Guide

, Chemical Engineer, MOSINTER|15 years in vitamin manufacturing and pharmaceutical APIs
 

Three procurement managers contacted me last quarter with the same question: "We need a reliable chelating agent for our skincare formulations-which grade of EDTA-2Na (CAS 139-33-3) should we specify, and how do we evaluate suppliers?" Fair question. With the global EDTA market projected to reach USD 456.7 million by 2030, the competition among manufacturers has intensified, and quality variations have become more pronounced.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA-2Na) is a hexadentate chelating agent that forms exceptionally stable complexes with metal ions including calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. According to the , this white crystalline powder (molecular formula: C₁₀H₁₄N₂Na₂O₈) serves as the backbone ingredient in thousands of industrial and personal care applications worldwide.

What Is EDTA-2Na and How Does It Work?

How to Evaluate EDTA-2Na Quality

FAQ: Common Questions About EDTA-2Na

What Is EDTA-2Na and How Does It Work?

When formulators encounter discoloration in their products or unexpected reactions during manufacturing, the culprit is often trace metal contamination. Iron at just 0.5 ppm can catalyze oxidation reactions that degrade active ingredients within weeks.

EDTA-2Na works by wrapping around metal ions with its four carboxyl groups and two nitrogen atoms, creating an octahedral coordination complex that effectively "locks away" reactive metals. This chelation process is what makes EDTA-2Na indispensable in formulation chemistry. The European Chemicals Agency () classifies it under EC Number 205-358-3 as a mono-constituent organic substance.

Here's what most raw material suppliers won't explain in their product data sheets: the concentration of EDTA-2Na you need varies dramatically based on your formulation's water hardness exposure and metal ion load. A cleanser rinsed off in 30 seconds requires different protection than a leave-on serum.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded in their comprehensive safety assessment that disodium EDTA and related ingredients are safe as used in cosmetic formulations., EDTA is used in over 12,500 cosmetic formulations at concentrations typically below 2%.

Maintains formulation color by blocking metal-catalyzed degradation

Increases efficacy of antimicrobial systems by 15–40%

EDTA-2Na product page.

The versatility of EDTA-2Na extends far beyond the cosmetics industry. In 2022, the global agricultural micronutrients market reached USD 6.35 billion, with chelated fertilizers-many containing EDTA salts-representing a significant growth segment.

In water treatment systems, EDTA-2Na prevents scale formation in boilers and cooling towers by sequestering calcium and magnesium ions before they can precipitate as carbonate deposits. Industrial facilities report 25–40% reductions in descaling maintenance frequency after implementing EDTA-based treatment programs.

for industrial applications.

How to Evaluate EDTA-2Na Quality

Not every batch of EDTA-2Na performs identically. I've seen formulations fail stability testing with material from one supplier, then pass with flying colors using another source at the same specifications. The difference? Trace impurities that don't appear on standard certificates of analysis.

Request extended testing for heavy metals (particularly lead, arsenic, and mercury) when sourcing EDTA-2Na for cosmetic or pharmaceutical applications. USP-grade material should test below 10 ppm total heavy metals. This is the single most overlooked quality parameter in B2B procurement.

Minimum 99.0% for cosmetic grade, 99.5%+ for pharmaceutical

Request ICP-MS testing; total should be <10 ppm

5% solution should fall within 4.0–5.5 range

<0.01% for high-purity applications

ISO 9001, GMP compliance, relevant industry registrations

for technical specifications and available grades.

FAQ: Common Questions About EDTA-2Na

Is EDTA-2Na safe for use in skincare products?

Yes. The concluded that disodium EDTA is safe as used in cosmetic formulations. Clinical tests showed minimal skin absorption, and the FDA has approved EDTA salts as food preservatives, indicating their established safety profile.

What is the difference between EDTA-2Na and EDTA-4Na?

EDTA-2Na (disodium salt) has two sodium atoms and creates slightly acidic solutions (pH 4–5), making it preferred for skincare formulations. EDTA-4Na (tetrasodium salt) has four sodium atoms, produces alkaline solutions (pH 10–11), and offers stronger chelation-better suited for industrial cleaning applications requiring higher pH environments.

What concentration of EDTA-2Na should I use in my formulation?

Typical cosmetic concentrations range from 0.05% to 0.5%, depending on product type and water hardness. Hair coloring products may use up to 3%. Start at 0.1% for most leave-on products and adjust based on stability testing results. Always conduct accelerated stability studies before finalizing your formula.

Can EDTA-2Na be used in food products?

Yes, within regulatory limits. The FDA permits calcium disodium EDTA and disodium EDTA as food additives for specific applications including canned beans, soft drinks, salad dressings, and mayonnaise. Maximum permitted concentrations vary by food category-typically 25–500 ppm depending on the application.

What is the minimum order quantity for EDTA-2Na?

MOSINTER's minimum order quantity is 10 metric tons, with annual production capacity exceeding 50,000 tons. We offer flexible packaging options based on customer requirements and can arrange delivery within 7 days for standard orders. Custom specifications and smaller trial quantities may be available upon request.

EDTA-2Na remains an indispensable chelating agent across cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications due to its exceptional metal-binding stability and established safety profile. With over 21 years of manufacturing experience, MOSINTER delivers pharmaceutical-grade EDTA-2Na that meets the stringent quality requirements of global formulators.

Ready to Source High-Quality EDTA-2Na?

+8618989305995

info1@mosinterchem.com

Last Updated: January 2026