PENTASODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE TETRAMETHYLENE PHOSPHONATE

Also known as: Pentasodium Ethylenediamine Tetramethylene Phosphonate

INCI: PENTASODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE TETRAMETHYLENE PHOSPHONATE | Function: Chelating Agent | Type: Synthetic phosphonate chelating agent (EDTMP sodium salt)

What Is PENTASODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE TETRAMETHYLENE PHOSPHONATE?

Pentasodium Ethylenediamine Tetramethylene Phosphonate is a phosphonate chelating agent derived from ethylenediamine. It has exceptionally strong binding affinity for calcium, making it especially useful in hard water areas. It prevents scale formation and metal-catalyzed degradation in personal care products.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Exceptional calcium chelation — ideal for hard water
+ Broad pH stability range
+ Prevents metal-catalyzed oxidation and discoloration
+ Preservative boosting properties

Pros

+ Very strong calcium binding
+ Works in hard water conditions
+ Good formulation stability

Cons

− Synthetic — not naturally derived
− Phosphonate — environmental discharge considerations
− More specialized (and expensive) than EDTA

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Body
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Synthetic
Natural Level	Synthetic

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	2/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Cleanser	0.05 - 0.3%
Shampoo	0.1 - 0.3%
Hard water formula	0.1 - 0.5%

References

CIR — Safety Assessment of phosphonates. PMID: 23781871
EU CosIng Database — Listed as chelating.
SpecialChem — EDTMP cosmetic ingredient

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