Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about tetrasodium glutamate diacetate (GLDA). Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Drafting note: No separate Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate product description was received; this page was drafted from the ORY^® Dual-Use Matrix. Check it against your final product description before publishing.

How to read this page

Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews.

Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY^® uses.

Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly.

1. General Description and Role

Claim: Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate (GLDA) is a chelating agent made largely from plant-based glutamic acid. In ORY^® products, it binds hard-water minerals and trace metals, which helps products stay stable, helps preservatives work, and helps soap rinse cleanly.

Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that tetrasodium glutamate diacetate is safe in cosmetics in the practices of use and concentration described.

Citations:

- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2025). Safety assessment of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate and beta-alanine diacetic acid as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(4 Suppl), 82S–92S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251344597
  - What it shows: CIR safety assessment.

2. Composition and Production

Claim: GLDA is the sodium salt of glutamic acid diacetic acid. It is a water-soluble liquid or powder, used at about 0.1–0.2%, and it stays stable at the high pH of soap.

Verification: Supported. Its chemistry is documented in the CIR report.

Citations:

- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2025). Safety assessment of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate and beta-alanine diacetic acid as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(4 Suppl), 82S–92S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251344597
  - What it shows: Describes chemistry.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Claim: At its use level, GLDA is suitable for all skin types.

Verification: Supported. It is a formulation ingredient with low irritation potential at use levels.

Citations:

- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2025). Safety assessment of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate and beta-alanine diacetic acid as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(4 Suppl), 82S–92S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251344597
  - What it shows: Safety data.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Claim: In haircare, GLDA binds hard-water minerals in shampoos and conditioners, helping them rinse cleanly.

Verification: Supported. This is a formulation role; ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat scalp conditions.

Citations:

- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2025). Safety assessment of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate and beta-alanine diacetic acid as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(4 Suppl), 82S–92S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251344597
  - What it shows: Reported uses.

5. Benefits

Claim: GLDA helps products stay stable and helps preservatives and cleansers work well in hard water.

Verification: Supported, with caveats. By binding metals, chelators help slow oil rancidity and support preservatives. These are formulation benefits, not skin-treatment benefits.

Citations:

- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2025). Safety assessment of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate and beta-alanine diacetic acid as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(4 Suppl), 82S–92S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251344597
  - What it shows: Describes function.
- Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x
  - What it shows: Review of preservation.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Claim: GLDA is used in all four ORY^® product lines, including cold-process soap.

Verification: Supported. In soap, it helps reduce orange rancid spots and soap scum.

Product line	Typical level	How ORY^® uses it
Skincare	0.1–0.2%	Creams, lotions, serums, and cleansers.
Haircare	0.1–0.2%	Shampoos and conditioners.
Handmade Soap	0.1–0.2%	Cold-process, liquid, and syndet soaps.
Cosmetics	0.1–0.2%	Foundations and cream products.

Citations:

- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2025). Safety assessment of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate and beta-alanine diacetic acid as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(4 Suppl), 82S–92S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251344597
  - What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
  - What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.

7. Pros

Claim: A readily biodegradable, plant-derived chelator with a CIR safety conclusion.

Verification: Supported. Supported by CIR review.

Citations:

- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2025). Safety assessment of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate and beta-alanine diacetic acid as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(4 Suppl), 82S–92S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251344597
  - What it shows: Safety conclusion.

8. Cons

Claim: GLDA is not a preservative and adds cost.

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

- Not a preservative. Supports, but does not replace, preservatives.
- Cost. Higher than EDTA.
- Challenge testing. Preserved products still need efficacy testing.

Citations:

- Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x
  - What it shows: Preservation.

9. Safety Notes

Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only.

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2025). Safety assessment of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate and beta-alanine diacetic acid as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(4 Suppl), 82S–92S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251344597
  - What it shows: Safety conclusion.

10. Product-line notes

- ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY^® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY^® Handmade Soap: GLDA is added to soap to help keep bars fresh and rinse cleanly. Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY^® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2025). Safety assessment of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate and beta-alanine diacetic acid as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(4 Suppl), 82S–92S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818251344597
- Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x

Government and regulatory sources

- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20

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Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

1. General Description and Role

2. Composition and Production

3. Skin Type Suitability

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

5. Benefits

6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines

7. Pros

8. Cons

9. Safety Notes

10. Product-line notes

11. References

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines