Tetrasodium EDTA
Definition
Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelator that can also be found in moisturisers, foundations, eye shadows and other cosmetic products. It is derived from sodium salts. The word chelator (pronounced "key-lay-tor") comes from the Greek word chele, or claw. Think of a chelator as a cany claw that reaches out and grabs the minerals in soap scum or soils, to keep them from depositing on a surface. We use tetrasodium EDTA 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 them to be rinsed away. Given the widespread use of EDTA, there are some concerns regarding the persistence and bioaccumulation in the environment, and the potential for EDTA to mobilise metals in the soil. For these reasons, while there are no concerns to public health from EDTA, SC Johnson is working to reduce and phase out EDTA in our products.