What Is Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate?
Sodium dihydroxyethylglycinate is a synthetic salt of N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine, a small molecule that loves to bind metals. Because it is made in a lab rather than taken from plants or animals, its quality can be controlled from batch to batch. Chemists create it by reacting glycine, a common amino acid, with ethylene oxide to add two hydroxyethyl groups, then neutralizing the mixture with sodium hydroxide. This gives a water-soluble powder or liquid that slips easily into most cosmetic bases.
The ingredient first appeared in personal care formulas in the late 1990s when brands looked for alternatives to older chelators like EDTA. Its mild nature and solid safety profile helped it gain traction in skin care and hair care labs. Today you can find sodium dihydroxyethylglycinate in face masks, moisturizers, anti-aging serums, cleansers, shampoos and even styling sprays where keeping metal ions under control is key to product stability.
Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient plays one main role in beauty formulas.
As a chelating agent it grabs on to trace metals such as iron, copper and calcium that sneak into a product from water, pigments or packaging. By locking these metals away it helps prevent unwanted color changes, rancid smells and early breakdown of delicate actives. The result is a product that stays fresh, stable and effective for longer, cutting the need for higher preservative levels while protecting the look and feel the user expects.
Who Can Use Sodium Dihydroxyethylglycinate
Sodium dihydroxyethylglycinate is considered gentle enough for most skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin because it is used at very low levels and is not meant to act directly on the skin itself. People with very reactive or allergy-prone skin can usually tolerate it, though anyone with a known sensitivity to similar chelators should proceed cautiously.
The ingredient is fully synthetic and contains no animal derivatives which makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Its production does not rely on animal testing in most regions where it is used, though checking a brand’s cruelty-free status is always recommended.
Current safety data indicate no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used as intended in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product by a healthcare professional to be safe.
Sodium dihydroxyethylglycinate does not cause photosensitivity and it has no known interaction with sun exposure. It is water soluble, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free so it rarely interferes with other common cosmetic ingredients.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of sodium dihydroxyethylglycinate can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
Mild skin irritation – A small number of users may notice temporary redness, itching or a stinging sensation especially on compromised skin
Contact dermatitis – Very rare allergic reactions have been reported in individuals already sensitized to similar amino acid derivatives
Eye irritation – If a product containing the ingredient accidentally enters the eyes it may cause watering or mild burning until rinsed out
If any adverse effect occurs discontinue use and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5. Sodium dihydroxyethylglycinate is a tiny water-soluble molecule that leaves no oily film and is added at very low levels, so it has virtually zero chance of blocking pores.
That means it is perfectly fine for skin prone to acne or breakouts.
By preventing metals from degrading oils in a formula it can even reduce the likelihood of pore-clogging byproducts forming over time.
Summary
Sodium dihydroxyethylglycinate’s main job is chelation. It grabs stray metal ions that sneak into cosmetics and stops them from wrecking textures, fading colors or spoiling delicate actives, helping products stay fresh and effective for longer.
You will not see it promoted like trendy actives yet formulators rely on it behind the scenes in cleansers, moisturizers, masks and hair care because it quietly keeps everything running smoothly.
Current research shows it is low risk for irritation or allergy when used as intended, but skin can be unpredictable so it is always wise to patch test any new product that contains it.