Ingredient review
Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate
INCI: Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate
A mild, effective chelator that helps your skincare products stay fresh and work better by neutralizing harmful metal ions.
In plain English
Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate is a synthetic ingredient that acts like a magnet for tiny metal particles (like iron or copper) that can sneak into your skincare formulas from water or packaging. By grabbing these metals, it prevents them from breaking down active ingredients, changing the product's color or smell, or causing irritation. It's a gentler alternative to stronger chelators like EDTA, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A synthetic amino-acid derivative designed to bind metal ions (chelating) in cosmetic formulations. It is often used as a replacement for EDTA because it is considered milder and more biodegradable.
How it works
It works by chemically grabbing and holding onto metal ions (like calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper) that are present in water or raw materials. This prevents those metals from interfering with other ingredients, such as causing discoloration, rancidity, or breakdown of preservatives and active compounds.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate has a low irritation and sensitization profile, making it suitable for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Improves formula stability
By binding trace metals, it prevents discoloration, odor changes, and ingredient breakdown, so your product stays effective longer.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
It is not a naturally derived ingredient, which may be a drawback for consumers who prefer exclusively plant-based or natural formulations.
Less established track record
Compared to EDTA, there is less long-term safety and efficacy data available, though current evidence supports its safe use.
Best for
- Anyone using products with water-based formulas that need extra stability
- People with sensitive skin who react to stronger chelators like EDTA
Use caution if
- Those seeking a 100% natural or plant-derived ingredient list
Usage tips
Safety summary
Current safety data indicates Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate is well-tolerated and non-irritating at typical use concentrations. It is considered a safe alternative to stronger chelating agents.
Research notes
Research primarily focuses on its chelating efficacy and safety profile. Studies show it effectively binds metal ions without significant skin irritation, though independent long-term human studies are limited.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.05% to 0.2%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, USA, and other major markets. It is listed in the CosIng database and generally recognized as safe when used as directed.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Toners, Serums, Moisturizers
- Environmental note
- Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate is more biodegradable than EDTA, making it a slightly greener choice for chelation in personal care products.
Good to know
- It is often used in 'EDTA-free' formulations as a milder alternative.
- It is biodegradable and considered more environmentally friendly than some traditional chelators.
Common questions
What is Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate in beauty products?
Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate is a synthetic ingredient that acts like a magnet for tiny metal particles (like iron or copper) that can sneak into your skincare formulas from water or packaging. By grabbing these metals, it prevents them from breaking down active ingredients, changing the product's color or smell, or causing irritation. It's a gentler alternative to stronger chelators like EDTA, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
What does Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate do in a beauty product?
It works by chemically grabbing and holding onto metal ions (like calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper) that are present in water or raw materials. This prevents those metals from interfering with other ingredients, such as causing discoloration, rancidity, or breakdown of preservatives and active compounds.
Is Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate safe for most people?
Current safety data indicates Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate is well-tolerated and non-irritating at typical use concentrations. It is considered a safe alternative to stronger chelating agents.
Who should be careful with Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate?
Those seeking a 100% natural or plant-derived ingredient list
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.