Etidronic Acid
Definition
Etidronic acid is a chelator that can also be found in soaps, moisturizers, and tooth whitening products. The word chelator (pronounced "key-lay-tor") comes from the Greek word chele, or claw. Think of a chelator as a tiny claw that reaches out and grabs the minerals in soap scum or soils to keep them from being deposited on a surface. We use etidronic acid in products to remove soap scum and mineral deposits that are caused by hard water. By binding to the soap scum or deposit, it allows either to be rinsed away.