Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)

What is it?

Edetate calcium disodium ([CH2N(CH2CO2H)2]2, also known as calcium EDTA) is a chelating agent, and is capable of removing a heavy metal, such as lead or mercury, from the blood circulatory system. Edetate calcium disodium is used to treat lead poisoning. These agents also function as chelating agents in cosmetic formulations. Clinical tests reported no absorption of an EDTA salt through the skin, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel found that these ingredients are safe as used in cosmetic formulations. In industry, EDTA is mainly used to sequester metal ions in aqueous solution, and to improve stability.^[1][2]