Common Names: MGDA, Trisodium MGDA
Function: Chelating agent, water softener, cleaning booster
EWG Rating: Not yet rated (comparable chelators rated 1–3)
Source: Based on manufacturer data and comparable ingredients in EWG database
What It Is
Methylglycine Diacetic Acid (MGDA) is a next-generation, biodegradable chelating agent used to improve cleaning performance in hard water. It works by binding metal ions like calcium and magnesium, which can otherwise interfere with surfactants and enzymes.
MGDA is structurally stable, non-toxic, and breaks down readily in wastewater treatment systems. It is widely recognized as a safer alternative to older chelators such as EDTA and NTA, which are less biodegradable and can persist in the environment. MGDA is approved for use in formulations that meet EU Ecolabel and other leading environmental certification standards.
What It Does in Laundry
In laundry applications, MGDA helps:
- Soften water: Binds hard water minerals to prevent interference with other detergent ingredients.
- Boost cleaning: Improves the efficacy of surfactants and enzymes, especially in hard water conditions.
- Prevent redeposition: Keeps soils suspended in wash water, so they rinse away instead of settling back onto fabrics.
MGDA is especially helpful in regions with mineral-rich water or for loads with heavy soil content.
Safety and Environmental Profile
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable according to OECD guidelines.
- Human safety: Considered non-toxic and non-sensitizing in current studies. Low irritation potential.
- Environmental impact: Low. Non-persistent and not bioaccumulative. Preferred alternative to EDTA in EU ecolabel formulations.
Source and Production
MGDA is a synthetic chelating agent produced through a multi-step manufacturing process using non-petroleum raw materials, including components structurally related to amino acids (the building blocks of proteins). While not naturally occurring, MGDA is designed to be readily biodegradable and non-toxic.
Its production process avoids the use of persistent or environmentally risky byproducts – such as those that don’t break down easily in water systems – making it a cleaner, lower-impact alternative to traditional chelators like EDTA or NTA. The final compound is highly effective at binding metal ions without the environmental trade-offs of older technologies.
This profile is part of Orchard’s Ingredient Glossary, written to provide information on every component we use.