The Index · Antimicrobial / colourant

Silver

Silver is used in particulate (including micron) form in some cosmetics under SCCS review.

EmergingSCCS scientific advice SCCS/1687/25 addresses micron particulate silver.

Written byTheSkindex Desk

Reviewed byNot yet reviewed

Last updated5 Oct 2026

Sources1 cited

Silver is used in particulate (including micron) form in some cosmetics under SCCS review.

What it does

Elemental silver particles may appear for antimicrobial or visual effect; EU SCCS advice addresses concentration limits for micron forms.

The evidence

Evidence grade emerging: SCCS scientific advice SCCS/1687/25 addresses micron particulate silver. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].

How to use it

Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labelled as a featured active.

Evidence by claim

Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim

Silver is used in particulate (including micron) form in some cosmetics under SCCS review.[1]

Emerging

Safety & limits

Source and region, always

all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK

Sources · 1

Numbered as cited in the text

[1]CIR/SCCS. SCCS Scientific Advice on Silver SCCS/1687/25. Regulator (2026)regulator

Revision history

18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk