Colloidal Silver
INCI: SILVER (NANO)
Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for Colloidal Silver. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | 0.0045 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | - | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 0.0045 mg/kg bw/day | oral | - | - | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 300 mg/kg bw/day | oral | - | subacute | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 125 mg/kg bw/day | oral | - | subchronic | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 0.25 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | reproductive | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 0.0045 mg/kg bw/day | - | mouse | chronic | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 250 mg/kg bw/day | oral | - | subchronic | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 1000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | - | subchronic | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 1000 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | reproductive | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
| NOAEL | 0.0045 mg/kg bw/day | - | - | - | SCCS_PDF_extraction |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Safety Opinions
Official safety assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).
classification as toxic for reproduction Cat. 2, the SCCS considers micron-sized particulate Silver not safe at concentrations up to 0.2 % in rinse-off and 0.3 % in leave-on cosmetic products when used alone or in combination. However, the use of micron-sized particulate Silver in eye shadow and oral
classification as toxic for reproduction Cat. 2, the SCCS considers micron-sized particulate Silver not safe at concentrations up to 0.2 % in rinse-off and 0.3 % in leave-on cosmetic products when used alone or in combination. However, the use of micron-sized particulate Silver in eye shadow and oral
classification as toxic for reproduction Cat. 2, the SCCS considers micron-sized particulate Silver not safe at concentrations up to 0.2 % in rinse-off and 0.3 % in leave-on cosmetic products when used alone or in combination. However, the use of micron-sized particulate Silver in eye shadow and oral
classification as toxic for reproduction Cat. 2, the SCCS considers micron-sized particulate Silver not safe at concentrations up to 0.2 % in rinse-off and 0.3 % in leave-on cosmetic products when used alone or in combination. However, the use of micron-sized particulate Silver in eye shadow and oral
Expert Verdict
Colloidal silver (nano silver particles) is prohibited in EU cosmetics under Omnibus VIII (Regulation EU 2024/2564) with compliance deadline 1 May 2026, and is not GRASE-approved by the FDA. Silver nanoparticles penetrate skin, enter systemic circulation, bioaccumulate in aquatic environments, and cause cytotoxicity in vitro. Do not formulate for cosmetic applications.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colloidal Silver safe in cosmetics?
Colloidal silver (nano silver particles) is prohibited in EU cosmetics under Omnibus VIII (Regulation EU 2024/2564) with compliance deadline 1 May 2026, and is not GRASE-approved by the FDA. Silver nanoparticles penetrate skin, enter systemic circulation, bioaccumulate in aquatic environments, and cause cytotoxicity in vitro. Do not formulate for cosmetic applications. The EU classifies Colloidal Silver as "prohibited". Safety rating: POOR. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database. This ingredient has been reviewed by sccs.
Is Colloidal Silver allowed in the EU?
Colloidal Silver EU regulatory status: prohibited. Maximum allowed concentration: Nano silver particles prohibited under EU Omnibus VIII (Regulation EU 2024/2564); compliance deadline 1 May 2026. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Colloidal Silver do in cosmetics?
Colloidal Silver functions as: Antimicrobial; preservative; used historically in deodorants, anti-acne products, and preservation systems due to broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 7440-22-4.
What is the Margin of Safety for Colloidal Silver?
not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.
What is the NOAEL for Colloidal Silver?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Colloidal Silver is 0.0045 mg/kg bw/day based on a toxicological study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: SCCS_PDF_extraction.
Is Colloidal Silver classified as hazardous under GHS?
Colloidal Silver carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.
Compliance Tools
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