• Improves stability by binding metal ions
• Enhances preservative performance
• Reduces discoloration, rancidity, and degradation
• Compatible with a wide range of pH and surfactants
• Highly effective in water-based and emulsified systems

EDTA 4NA – Chelating Agent for Enhanced Formula Stability

EDTA 4NA, or Tetrasodium EDTA, is a versatile chelating agent used to enhance the stability, safety, and shelf life of cosmetic and personal care formulations. By sequestering metal ions such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, EDTA 4NA prevents oxidative degradation, rancidity, and color changes in water-based systems. It is widely used in cleansers, creams, lotions, shampoos, and serums to improve preservative efficacy and maintain formula clarity and pH stability. 

INCI Name: Tetrasodium EDTA

CAS Number: 64-02-8

Solubility: Highly water-soluble

Add Phase: Water phase

pH Stability: 4.0 – 10.0

Processing Temperature: Stable up to 80°C

Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules

Odor: Odorless

Molecular Formula: C10H12N2Na4O8

Molecular Weight: 380.17 g/mol

Flash Point: Non-flammable

Density: ~0.86 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Polyaminocarboxylic acid salt

Functional Groups: Carboxylic acid, amine

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Creams, shampoos, lotions, liquid soaps, serums

• Usage Rate: 0.05% – 0.2%
• Phase: Add to water phase, dissolve fully before emulsification
• Ideal For: Creams, Shampoos, Serums, Cleansers, Liquid Soaps

🧪 Use EDTA 4NA with broad-spectrum preservatives (like phenoxyethanol or Germall Plus) to significantly boost microbial protection without increasing irritation.

✔️ Safe for all skin types at low concentrations

✔️ Non-sensitizing and non-irritating

✔️ Enhances product safety when paired with preservatives

1. Facial Serum (with Actives)

Use 0.1% EDTA 4NA in the water phase to prevent metal contamination and enhance antioxidant shelf life.

2. Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Add 0.05–0.15% in mild shampoos to prevent yellowing and boost preservative function.

3. Creamy Moisturizer

Dissolve 0.05% EDTA in the water phase before emulsifying to stabilize vitamins and prevent rancidity.

4. Liquid Face Wash

Use with preservatives like phenoxyethanol to increase efficacy and clarity.

5. SPF or Antioxidant-Rich Products

Incorporate to protect sensitive ingredients like Vitamin C or E from destabilizing trace metals.

Serums
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Improves stability of active-rich water serums.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Prevents oxidative degradation and color change.



Toners
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Supports formula preservation.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Useful in gel or cream-based masks.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Improves clarity and prevents metal-induced breakdown.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Stabilizes product integrity.



Deodorants
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Helps with odor control formulations.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Enhances stability of delicate eye creams.



Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Prevents yellowing and metal ion contamination.



Soaps
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Limited use in traditional saponified soaps.



Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Maintains freshness and color of products.



Lip Balms
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not suitable for anhydrous formulations.



Body Butters
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not required for oil-based systems.



Ointments
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in non-water-based systems.

Q1: Is EDTA 4NA natural?

A1: No — it’s a synthetic chelating agent, but highly effective and safe at cosmetic levels.

Q2: Will it affect skin absorption?

A2: No — it doesn’t penetrate skin, and it works in the water phase of your formula.

Q3: Can it replace preservatives?

A3: No — it enhances them, but does not protect against microbial growth alone.

Q4: Is EDTA 4NA safe in baby products?

A4: Yes — it's widely used in mild shampoos and washes at low levels (0.05–0.1%).