This property allows Trisodium EDTA to assist in preventing the deterioration of formulas, maintaining clarity, protecting fragrance compounds, and preventing rancidity. It can also counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the metal ions and deactivating them, preventing their drying action by disabling the metals' ability to leave a residue on the skin or hair. Trisodium EDTA can also "form complexes with calcium, magnesium, and iron, which allows for better foaming and cleaning performance of cosmetics and personal care products". Trisodium EDTA may enhance penetration abilities, the CIR found that this ingredient was not well absorbed by the skin. It is not considered an irritant, sensitizer or carcinogen, although "Because these ingredients bind metals required for normal cell division, some studies that indicated that these compounds were weakly mutagenic. Some studies showed reproductive and developmental effects following oral exposure to large doses of metal chelators, likely an effect of the binding of metals required for normal reproduction and development.