Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
INCI: EDDS
Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 14 Aug 2026
Also known as: EDDS, EDDS-Na3, L-Aspartic acid N, N'-1, 2-ethanediylbis- trisodium salt, N, N'-Ethylenedi-(aspartic acid) trisodium salt, Trisodium ethylenediamine-N, N′-disuccinate
Chelating agent which binds with metal ions or metallic compounds Plays a pivotal role in the overall stability, aesthetics, and efficacy of the formulation
Best For Skin Types
All skin types
Usage Frequency
As directed on product packaging
EWG Safety Score
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What Is Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate?
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate is a chelating agent which is used in skin care/cosmetic formulations to bind with metal ions or metallic compounds, thereby preventing them from adhering to a surface (such as skin or hair) or causing contamination (as in the case of trace amounts of iron). It is commonly used in body washes, cleansers, and shampoos.
As a raw material, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate comes in either solid or granular form and is white in color.
While chelating agents like trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate aren’t considered “superstar” ingredients, they play a pivotal role in the product’s overall stability, aesthetics, and efficacy. Such ingredients also help bolster a product’s preservative system by keeping metal ions from destabilizing these essential ingredients in water-based formulas.
According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) 2022 report, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate is used in 228 formulations (68 leave-on formulations and 160 rinse-off formulations) with a maximum concentration of 0.64% at the time of this writing.
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