On April 24, 2026, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union published its final opinion (SCCS/1687/25) on the use of silver (CAS No 7440-22-4) in cosmetic products. This final version updates the preliminary opinion released on December 18, 2025, with all changes highlighted in red. **Final Opinion on Micron-Sized Particulate Silver** Based on new data indicating that micron-sized particulate silver (particle diameter >100 nm and <1 mm) does not penetrate the skin, the SCCS considers it safe for use at a maximum concentration of 0.2% in rinse-off products and 0.3% in leave-on cosmetic products. It is also deemed safe at up to 0.2% in oral hygiene products and up to 0.3% in nail products. For children's cosmetics, the same concentration limits apply, except for mouthwash, where the safe concentration is capped at 0.05%. This opinion does not cover micron-sized particulate silver in propellant-based spray products, as such applications were not included in the applicant's submission and were not assessed by the SCCS. **Assessment Background**
Silver is commonly used in eyeshadows, highlighters, nail polishes, and body powders for its metallic or shimmery effect, and also serves as a conditioning agent in both rinse-off and leave-on products. In February 2023, ECHA's Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) recommended classifying silver as "Toxic for Reproduction Category 2." In June 2024, the SCCS (Opinion SCCS/1665/24) found micron-sized particulate silver unsafe at concentrations up to 0.2% in rinse-off and 0.3% in leave-on products, though its use in eyeshadow and oral-exposure products (lip balm, toothpaste, mouthwash) was considered safe. In August 2025, the European Commission received an updated dossier containing new dermal penetration studies (ex vivo and human volunteer) aimed at demonstrating the safe use of micron-sized particulate silver. The SCCS was then requested to conduct a new safety assessment based on this additional information. **Regulatory Status of Silver**
According to the Global Cosmetic Ingredient Regulatory Database (Global CosIng), silver (CAS No 7440-22-4) appears in several key regulatory lists worldwide. In the EU, silver is an authorized cosmetic colorant listed as CI 77820 under Annex IV, entry 142 of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. Colloidal silver (nano) with a particle size of 1–100 nm is a prohibited substance under Annex II, entry 1727. As of May 1, 2026, massive silver (particle size ≥1 mm), silver powder (100 nm–1 mm), and nano silver (1–100 nm) will be regulated as Category 2 CMR substances (toxic for reproduction) in the EU. In China, silver is listed in the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China I (IECIC I) under No. 07927, and in the List of Colorants Allowed for Use in Cosmetic Products as CI 77820, with approved use across all cosmetic product types.
Source: Read the original report | Published: April 28, 2026