SCCS Issued Preliminary Opinion on Silver Used in Cosmetic Products

On December 18, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued preliminary opinion (SCCS/1687/25) open for comments on Silver (CAS No 7440-22-4) used in cosmetic products. The deadline for comments is set for February 23, 2026.

Preliminary Opinion on Thiomersal and Phenylmercuric Silver

In light of the new data provided, indicating that micron-sized particulate Silver does not penetrate the skin, the SCCS considers micron-sized particulate Silver [100nm<particle diameter<1 mm] safe when used up to a maximum concentration of 0.2% in rinse-off and 0.3% in leave-on cosmetic products, as specified in Tables 5 and 6 [see link below]. 

This Opinion does not apply to the use of micron-sized particulate Silver [100nm<particle diameter<1 mm] in propellant-based spray products because such applications were not covered by the Applicant, and therefore not assessed for safety by the SCCS.

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Further Information

https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/fee553a1-d946-4ef3-9d8a-e45f325cbc3b_en?filename=sccs_o_309.pdf