Ever feel like your natural skincare formula is almost perfect, but something’s… off?

Maybe your preservative isn’t working as it should. Or your lotion turns brown after a few weeks. Or your product just doesn’t seem to last long on the shelf.

Here’s a little-known truth: Chelators could be your missing link.

While preservatives are the front-line defenders of your formulation, chelators are the behind-the-scenes enforcers,  stopping trace metals from ruining your work and sabotaging your shelf life. Whether you’re a seasoned formulator, a small-batch skincare entrepreneur, or a DIYer who wants to do it right, understanding chelators will seriously level up your formulation game.

(And no, they’re not just for big brands with fancy labs. You may just need them too.)

What Are Chelators?

Chelators (also called chelating agents) are ingredients that bind to metal ions (like iron, copper, calcium) that may be present in your water phase or raw materials. Why? Because these metals can:

• Destabilize your formula
• Accelerate oxidation
• Reduce preservative effectiveness
• Cause discolouration or rancidity

In short, chelators help keep your products stable by preventing these metal ions from reacting with your other ingredients.

Why Should You Care as a Maker or Formulator?

As a small business or DIY formulator, you’re often working with:

• Unfiltered water
• Plant extracts (which can carry trace metals)
• Essential oils or actives that are prone to oxidation
• Minimal preservatives (thanks to the natural formulation trend)

All of these factors increase the risk of product degradation. A good chelator gives your formula extra support, improving the overall safety, stability, and shelf life — especially if you’re selling your products or storing them for a while.

The Power Combo: Chelators + Preservatives

Think of chelators as preservative boosters. They don’t kill microbes, but they make your preservative system more effective.
Pairing chelators with natural preservatives like:

•  Germall +
• Geogard ECT
• Plantaserv E
• Optiphen Plus
• Phenoxyethanol

…. Can significantly improve how well your formula resists contamination and oxidation.

This is especially important for water-based products like:

• Facial toners
• Lotions & creams
• Cleansers
• Hair conditioners
• Gel serums

Some Natural Chelators to Know

Not all chelators are synthetic, here are a few natural or nature-derived options used in clean beauty and approved by certification bodies like ECOCERT/COSMOS:

A Quick Note on EDTA

You might see Disodium EDTA or Tetrasodium EDTA in formulations. While they’re very effective, they’re not biodegradable and don’t meet ECOCERT standards, not ideal if you’re marketing your brand as clean, eco-conscious, or natural.

Formulation Tips for Working with Chelators

1. Add your chelator early in the water phase to allow it to bind to any metals present.
2. Use in low amounts, a little goes a long way!
3. Always check compatibility with your preservatives and actives.
4. If using botanical extracts or floral waters, avoid skipping chelators.

Final Thoughts On Chelator

Just because chelators are used in tiny amounts doesn’t make them optional.
If you’re formulating to sell — and want a stable, longer-lasting product that keeps your customers safe and happy, this little ingredient can make a big difference.

Think of it as that quiet team member who doesn’t talk much, but without them, everything may fall apart.

Shop Chelators on SkinFoodie.com.ng

We stock:

•  Sodium Phytate
•  Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (GLDA)
•  Citric Acid
• Tetrasodium EDTA

…and more, perfect for DIYers, indie brands, and pro formulators alike.

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