Silver – SCCS/1687/25
May 26, 2026 - Cosmetics
Silver – SCCS/1687/25
The SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) in its Opinion SCCS/1665/24 Final Version of 20.06.2024 evaluated the use of silver (powder) [100 nm < particle diameter < 1 mm] in lip products, eye shadows, toothpaste, and mouthwashes as safe. Other eye products besides eye shadow were not examined by the SCCS, and therefore, the SCCS could not generally evaluate the eye product category as safe. The result of this SCCS opinion was incorporated into the annexes of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 with Regulation (EU) No. 2026/78 and now constitutes applicable law.
Silver (powder) [100 nm < particle diameter < 1 mm] is currently regulated in cosmetic products as follows:
- 0.05% in toothpaste and mouthwashes (Annex III, Entry No. 379)
- 0.2% in lip products and eye shadows (Annex IV, Entry No. 142 as colorant CI 77820)
The SCCS in its new Opinion SCCS/1687/25 (corrected version of 20.05.2026) expanded the use of silver (powder) [100 nm < particle diameter < 1 mm; CI 77820] and evaluated the following concentrations as safe:
- 0.2% in rinse-off products (including oral hygiene products)
- 0.3% in leave-on products (including nail products)
- 0.05% mouthwashes for children
An adoption of these new limits into Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 is being sought. However, when actual implementation will occur is not yet determined.
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