What’s new?
On the 17th of December 2025, the SCCS adopted a preliminary scientific opinion revising its previous assessment of Silver in cosmetic products. This new opinion follows the submission of updated dermal penetration data in August 2025 by industry stakeholders.
The 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 currently authorized as a colorant in Annex IV (entry 142) of the Cosmetics Regulation and is widely used in makeup products for its metallic and shimmery effects, as well as a conditioning agent in various formulations.
Main provisions:
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.
- The opinion does not apply to the use of micron-sized particulate Silver in propellant-based spray products.
What now?
The preliminary opinion is open for comments until 23 February 2026.
- SCCS will review submitted comments during working group meetings
- Final Opinion expected following comment evaluation and potential revisions