What’s new?
On the 26th of March 2026, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) adopted its final scientific advice revising its previous assessment of Silver in cosmetic products. The preliminary opinion was open for comments until February 23, 2026, and considering the information received during the commenting period, the SCCS released its final advice with changes in the discussion section, conclusions and Appendix B.
This reassessment was triggered by the European Chemicals Agency’s Risk Assessment Committee (ECHA RAC) recommendation in February 2023 to classify Silver as Toxic for Reproduction Category 2. Under Article 15(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, substances classified as CMR Category 2 are prohibited in cosmetics unless the SCCS evaluates them and finds them safe for use.
This marks a reversal of the SCCS’s previous position. In June 2024, the Committee concluded in its Opinion (SCCS/1665/24) that micron-sized particulate Silver was not safe at concentrations up to 0.2% in rinse-off and 0.3% in leave-on products. The new preliminary opinion, based on robust ex vivo and human volunteer studies, now confirms safety at these same concentration levels.
Silver (CAS/EC No. 7440-22-4/231-131-3) is widely used in makeup products for its metallic and shimmery effects, as well as a conditioning agent in various formulations and it is currently listed as follows in the Cosmetics Regulation:
- Annex III (entry 379) for use in toothpaste and mouthwash at a maximum concentration in ready for use preparation of 0.05%.
- Annex IV (entry 142) for use in lip products and eye shadow at a maximum concentration in ready for use preparation of 0.2%.
Key findings:
The SCCS considers that, based on micron-sized particulate Silver [100nm<particle diameter<1 mm] not penetrating the skin, this ingredient is safe when used up to a maximum concentration of 0.2% in rinse-off and 0.3% in leave-on cosmetic products.
Micron-sized particulate Silver is also considered safe when used up to 0.2% in oral hygiene products and up to 0.3% in nail products.
For cosmetic products intended for children use, micron-sized particulate Silver is also considered safe at the same concentrations, except in mouthwash that is considered safe at a concentration up to 0.05%.
- The opinion does not apply to the use of micron-sized particulate Silver in propellant-based spray products.
What now?
The European Commission will likely amend Annex III and IV of the Cosmetics Regulation to include these changes, with typical transition periods of 18-24 months for compliance.
