A sodium salt of etidronic acid, used as a chelating agent and regulated in Annex III.
What it is
Disodium etidronate is disodium dihydrogen (1-hydroxyethylidene)bisphosphonate, a salt of etidronic acid. CosIng lists it as a chelating ingredient, one that binds metal ions. In the EU it is covered by an entry in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions) for hair products and soaps.
Where it is used
Found in hair care products and soaps.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits; according to the Annex III entry, they apply to hair products and soaps. The label does not show the concentration actually used.
Functions
- Chelating
- Forming complexes with metal ions which could affect the stability and/or appearance of cosmetics.
EU regulation
- Product type
- (a) Hair product (b) Soap
- Maximum concentration
- (a) 1.5% (as etidronic acid) (b) 0.2% (as etidronic acid)
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223