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Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
ORY® product lines:
☑ Skincare
☑ Haircare
☑ Handmade Soap (cold-process chelator — prevents rancidity and scum)
☑ Cosmetics — full dual-use ingredient
Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate (GLDA) is a biodegradable chelating agent made from the amino acid L-glutamic acid (via corn or sugar fermentation) — the modern, readily biodegradable replacement for EDTA. Chelators bind the metal ions (calcium, magnesium, iron, copper) that enter formulas through water, botanicals, and packaging; those ions otherwise catalyze rancidity, discolor products, deactivate preservatives, and — in soap — form the scum that hard water leaves on skin. By sequestering them, GLDA extends shelf life, boosts preservative efficacy (a well-recognized formulation strategy [3]), stabilizes color and fragrance, and improves lather and rinse-off. Reviews of biodegradable chelators document GLDA’s performance and environmental advantages over EDTA [1], and EDTA’s own CIR review provides the safety framework for this ingredient class [2]. GLDA is stable at the high pH of cold-process soap, making it — like sodium citrate — a rare additive useful in all four ORY® lines.
What is Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate made of?
GLDA is produced by carboxymethylating L-glutamic acid (fermentation-derived) and neutralizing with sodium hydroxide; supplied as a clear ~47% solution. Points to know [1, 2]:
- Amino-acid-based aminocarboxylate chelator: Four carboxylate groups grip metal ions; strong binding of calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper.
- Readily biodegradable (>60% in 28 days, OECD 301): Unlike EDTA, which persists in waterways [1].
- Plant-derived (corn/sugar); non-toxic; pH-stable 2–13; heat-stable.
- Typical use 0.05–0.5% (0.1–0.2% for preservative boosting; 0.3–0.5% for hard-water soap performance).
- Also softens water in cleansers, improving lather and rinse.
What skin type is best suited for Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate?
GLDA is a formulation-level ingredient suitable for all seven ORY® skin types:
- All skin types: GLDA is a formulation-level ingredient rather than a skin-type active; at its use level it is suitable for every ORY® skin type.
- Sensitive: Non-sensitizing at use levels; no known contact allergy.
- Acne-prone: Prevents microbial growth that can worsen breakouts; non-comedogenic.
- Dry: Protects water-rich hydrating products.
- Oily and Combination: Protects gels, toners, and light lotions.
- Mature: Protects active-rich serums and creams over their shelf life.
- Normal: Everyday product protection.
What hair type is best suited for Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate?
GLDA improves haircare performance directly by removing hard-water minerals:
- Dry or damaged: Removes mineral deposits that make hair dull and brittle; improves conditioner deposition.
- Color-treated: Chelates copper and iron that accelerate color fading and brassiness; classic “chelating shampoo” active.
- Curly and coily: Clears hard-water buildup that weighs curls down.
- Oily scalp: Improves cleansing and rinse in hard water.
- Straight and wavy: Restores shine dulled by mineral film.
- Sensitive scalp, dandruff-prone, mature or thinning: Reduces mineral irritation; boosts preservative safety in scalp products.
What are the benefits of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate?
GLDA’s benefits are functional, environmental, and performance-related [1–3]:
- Preservative boosting: Metal chelation weakens microbial membranes and protects preservatives — allows lower preservative levels [3].
- Antioxidant protection: Removes metal catalysts of rancidity; extends shelf life of oils and botanicals.
- Color and fragrance stability: Prevents metal-driven discoloration and scent change.
- Hard-water performance: Softens water for better lather and rinse-off in cleansers and soap.
- Hair mineral removal: Chelating shampoos restore shine and color.
- Soap scum and rancidity prevention: Prevents “dreaded orange spots” and bathtub scum in cold-process bars.
- Biodegradable EDTA replacement: Environmental advantage [1].
- Plant-derived, non-sensitizing: Clean-label friendly.
Dual use across ORY® product lines
GLDA is a true four-line ingredient — including cold-process soap, where it is one of the most useful modern additives.
| ORY® line | Dual use? | How it is used | Typical level |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ORY® Skincare |
Yes |
All water-based products: serums, creams, toners, cleansers (preservative and antioxidant support). |
0.05–0.2% |
|
ORY® Haircare |
Yes |
Chelating and clarifying shampoos, color-protect products, all water-based haircare. |
0.1–0.5% |
|
ORY® Handmade Soap |
Yes |
Added to lye water or at trace in cold-process bars to prevent rancidity and hard-water scum; liquid soap. |
0.1–0.5% of oil weight |
|
ORY® Cosmetics |
Yes |
Foundations, setting sprays, mascaras, cream products (color and preservative stability). |
0.05–0.2% |
Pros and cons of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Pros
Cons
- Biodegradable EDTA alternative: [1].
- Boosts preservatives and antioxidants: Safer, longer-lasting products [3].
- Works in cold-process soap: pH 2–13 stable.
- Improves hair and lather performance: Hard-water fix.
- Plant-derived, non-sensitizing: Clean-label.
- Newer than EDTA: Less independent safety literature (relies on class data) [2].
- Cost: Higher than EDTA.
- Alkaline as supplied: Minor pH adjustment may be needed in acidic formulas.
- Electrolyte: Can affect electrolyte-sensitive thickeners at high levels.
- Not a preservative: A booster; still requires a primary preservative in water-based products.
What is the best application of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate?
GLDA is built into every water-based ORY® product and every soap bar:
- Serum, cream, toner: 0.1% with the preservative system.
- Cleanser or shampoo: 0.2–0.5% for hard-water lather and preservation.
- Chelating/clarifying shampoo: 0.5%.
- Cold-process soap: 0.1–0.5% of oils dissolved in lye water (or at trace).
- Liquid soap: 0.2–0.5%.
- Cosmetics: 0.1%.
Peer-reviewed references
- Pinto ISS, Neto IFF, Soares HMVM. Biodegradable chelating agents for industrial, domestic, and agricultural applications—a review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2014;21(20):11893–11906.
- Lanigan RS, Yamarik TA. Final report on the safety assessment of EDTA, calcium disodium EDTA, diammonium EDTA, dipotassium EDTA, disodium EDTA, TEA-EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, tripotassium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, HEDTA, and trisodium HEDTA. International Journal of Toxicology. 2002;21(Suppl 2):95–142.
- Lundov MD, Moesby L, Zachariae C, Johansen JD. Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: a review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis. 2009;60(2):70–78.
Disclaimer:
The information on this page is provided by ORY International, LC for educational purposes only. It summarizes published research about tetrasodium glutamate diacetate (GLDA) as an ingredient, including laboratory and animal studies and clinical studies of formulas that may differ from ORY® products. Results from these studies may not apply to every person or to ORY® products. This page is not medical advice and does not replace advice from a dermatologist, physician, or other qualified healthcare provider.
ORY® Skincare, Haircare, Handmade Soap, and Cosmetics products are cosmetics. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease or condition, including eczema, dermatitis, acne, dandruff, or any other condition. References to FDA or Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) findings describe the ingredient, not ORY® products, and do not mean FDA has reviewed or approved any ORY® product.
Results vary by skin and scalp type, formulation, and use. Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate is rarely irritating at use levels. Any cosmetic can cause irritation, sometimes from other ingredients. Always patch test, follow label directions, and stop use if irritation occurs. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, consult a healthcare provider before use.
ORY International, LC works to keep this page accurate and current but makes no warranty as to its completeness. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ORY International, LC is not liable for any loss or injury arising from reliance on this information or from use of any product contrary to its label directions. To report a reaction, contact us at [insert contact email / phone].
