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Ingredient function glossary

Ingredient label reference

Disodium EDTA

Chelating agent

Chelators and antioxidants

A chelator used to bind certain metal ions that could otherwise affect colour, odour, stability or parts of a preservation system.

Also seen as
Disodium edetate · Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Reported functions
Chelating · Viscosity controlling
Example formats
Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe

Why it may be in a product

It can support overall formula stability and work alongside, rather than replace, an appropriate preservation system.

What the name tells you

Its presence identifies a supporting formulation role that may not be obvious from front-label claims.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish concentration, metals present or bound, preservation boost, final stability, environmental profile or product safety.

Evidence status

Official function terminology established; a canine finished-product outcome is not established.

Reference entries

Evidence and boundaries

Terminology sources, shown plainly.

The glossary uses official European sources to check ingredient terminology and to keep medical, biocidal and finished-product claims outside the glossary. Cosmetic references concern human products; their use here is limited to names and reported formulation functions.

Reference review: 2026-08-25.

Read the Journal editorial method →

Discussed in Journal guides

  1. Source 1

    European Commission — CosIng database

    A non-binding reference for cosmetic ingredient names and reported functions. It concerns human cosmetics and is used here only as a terminology source, not as canine safety approval.

  2. Source 2

    Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1175

    The current EU glossary of common ingredient names for cosmetic product labelling, applicable from 30 July 2026.

  3. Source 3

    Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products

    Regulatory context for why claims about treating or preventing disease are outside this formulation glossary.

  4. Source 4

    Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 on biocidal products

    Regulatory context for why disinfection and pest-control claims are outside this formulation glossary.