Etidronic acid
- Cosmetics Fine
What is Etidronic acid?
Etidronic acid keeps products stable by binding traces of metals, for example in soaps and hair products. At the levels used in cosmetics it isn't a health concern. It's fine for normal use; only the concentrated raw ingredient can harm the eyes.
What is Yasno’s verdict on Etidronic acid?
Yasno’s verdict on Etidronic acid: Fine. No meaningful concern at normal amounts.
Is Etidronic acid allowed in the EU?
EU status of Etidronic acid: Restricted in cosmetics (limits and conditions apply). Conditions and limits come from the regulation cited below. Yasno summarises them and does not replace the legal text.
| Where | EU | US |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics | Restricted in cosmetics (limits and conditions apply) | Not recorded |
Reference: Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III (entry 53) · Limit: (a) 1.5% (as etidronic acid) (b) 0.2% (as etidronic acid) | (a) Hair product (b) Soap
What else is it called?
- (1-Hydroxyethylidene)diphosphonic acid and its salts
- Phosphonic acid, (1-hydroxyethylidene)bis-
Sources
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products — Annex III, European Union, 2009
- Safety Assessment of Etidronic Acid and Its Salts as Used in Cosmetics, Cosmetic Ingredient Review, 2016
- Etidronic acid registration dossier, European Chemicals Agency, 2016
Always check the physical label. Yasno describes evidence and regulatory status. It never says a product is free of an allergen or safe for you, and it is not medical advice.
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