The Clean Sheet
Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate

Trisodium N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-alaninate (MGDA)

Safety Notes

Readily biodegradable amino-acid chelator (MGDA) that binds calcium, magnesium and heavy-metal ions, protecting formula stability and improving cleansing in hard water. A green alternative to EDTA, effective across a wide pH range.

Function & Common Use

Function

Chelating agent

Category

Chelating Agent

Common In

Cleansers, shampoos, creams; biodegradable EDTA alternative

Origin

Alanine-based (biodegradable amino-acid chelant)

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No specific limit under CR 2020 in source checked

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No specific limit; use at self-determined safe level per safety assessment

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked

Baby restriction: None identified for standard cosmetic use

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate safe to use in skincare?

Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Readily biodegradable amino-acid chelator (MGDA) that binds calcium, magnesium and heavy-metal ions, protecting formula stability and improving cleansing in hard water. A green alternative to EDTA, effective across a wide pH range.

Is Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate allowed in India?

Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate is currently classified as "Permitted; regulated as a cosmetic ingredient under CR 2020" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is No specific limit under CR 2020 in source checked.

What is Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate used for in cosmetics?

Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate functions as: Chelating agent. It is commonly found in: Cleansers, shampoos, creams; biodegradable EDTA alternative.

Is Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate safe for babies?

Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate has baby/child restrictions: None identified for standard cosmetic use. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
Medium
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted; regulated as a cosmetic ingredient under CR 2020
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted; no specific 21 CFR cosmetic restriction identified in source checked
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted; no specific MFDS restriction identified in source checked
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient under AICIS; standard framework applies; no therapeutic listing unless therapeutic claims made
Canada (NHPID)
Not listed as restricted on Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist in source checked; standard cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS164462-16-2

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