Ingredient dictionary

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Also listed as: EDDS

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is a chelating agent, a salt that grabs onto metal ions in water so they can't disturb a formula's stability or performance. It is on the label of 54 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate does

Binds metal ions in water
Helps preservatives perform well
Helps keep color and scent stable
Offers a more biodegradable option to EDTA

This ingredient is made synthetically from simpler starting materials. Its job is to act as a chelator, which means it wraps around metal ions such as calcium and magnesium that are naturally present in tap water and raw ingredients. Left alone, those ions can change color, cloud a formula, or weaken preservatives. Holding them in place keeps the product steady.

Many formulators choose it in place of older chelators such as EDTA because it breaks down more readily once it goes down the drain. It is typically used at low levels and dissolves easily in water-based products. You won't usually notice it in how a product feels or smells, since it works quietly in the background. It shows up in moisturizers, sunscreens, body washes, shampoos and exfoliants.

Good for

Suits formulas that need stable ingredients and a chelator that breaks down more easily in the environment.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate safe for skin?

It is generally well tolerated and appears in many everyday formulas. As a chelator, it works in the formula rather than on skin. Anyone with a known sensitivity may want to patch test a new product first.

Is Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate biodegradable?

Yes, it is generally considered readily biodegradable. That means microorganisms in water and soil can break it down over time, which is one reason it is chosen over older chelators such as EDTA.