EDTA Question

[SoapSap]

This year I started to use EDTA in all of my soap to safeguard against DOS and to prevent soap scum build up. I usually use 5g EDTA per1000 g total batter Weight. I have city water that is not hard. We have no need for a water softener

I have noticed that all of my soap formulas are lathering up a lot of creamy lather and I suspect it is due to the EDTA as that is the only change I can identify. Is this assumption correct? Is the EDTA softening the water and causing more lathering?

 

[WeaversPort]

I'm not an expert, by any means. I believe that EDTA is a chelator, bonding to the metals and minerals in hard water. My understanding is that a chelator allows soap a better lather and rinses cleaner.

 

[DeeAnna]

Yes, you're correct. If your soap isn't reacting with hard-water minerals to make soap scum, then it is able to create more lather. The opposite is also true -- hard water will reduce or even eliminate soap's ability to lather. http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=52456

 

[IrishLass]

Ditto! I have very hard water, and adding tetrasodium edta to my batches has definitely boosted my soap's lathering abilities.


IrishLass

 

[SoapSap]

Thanks for confirming.

 

[Dahila]

Same here , very hard water, city water and Edta is heaven send