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COLLOIDAL SILVER: INCI Ingredient

Last update on Jun 29, 2026

Colloidal Silver is a suspension of ultra-fine silver nanoparticles in purified water. It is valued in cosmetics for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and soothing effects. It is commonly used in natural and clean beauty products such as acne treatments, wound-healing creams, toners, masks, deodorants, and after-shave products. It has the ability to inhibit bacteria while being relatively gentle on the skin.

CAS Number: 7440-22-4Chem/IUPAC Name: Colloidal Silver is a suspension of silver particles in water prepared by electrolysisEINECS/ELINCS No: 231-131-3COSING REF No: 83140

What is COLLOIDAL SILVER used for?

  • Antimicrobial: Helps inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. Frequently used in acne treatments, purifying masks, and deodorants.
  • Skin conditioning & soothing: Calms irritated skin and supports minor wound healing. Common in after-sun products, toners, and sensitive skin formulations.
  • Preservative booster: Enhances the antimicrobial efficacy of natural preservative systems.

Origin

Colloidal Silver is produced by electrolysis or chemical reduction methods, where pure silver is dispersed into very small nanoparticles suspended in deionized water. High-quality cosmetic grades use controlled particle size (typically 5–20 nm) and are stabilized to prevent agglomeration.

What does COLLOIDAL SILVER do in a formulation?

ANTIMICROBIAL|
SKIN CONDITIONING|
PRESERVATIVE|
SOOTHING

Safety Profile

Colloidal Silver has a moderate hazard rating from EWG (typically 2–6) due to concerns about potential argyria (skin discoloration) with long-term high exposure and environmental accumulation. It is generally considered safe for topical use at low concentrations (≤0.001–0.01% in many regions). The EU has strict limitations on nanosilver in cosmetics. Not recommended for long-term daily use on large areas of skin. Approved by the EU COSING database for antimicrobial and skin conditioning functions with concentration restrictions.

COLLOIDAL SILVER technical profile

PropertyValues
Boiling Point~100 °C
pH6.0–8.0
SolubilityInsoluble
ViscosityLow

Formulations with COLLOIDAL SILVER

No data available

By Application

No data available