The SCCS Published Opinions on Colloidal Silver (nano)

The SCCS adopted this Opinion at its plenary meeting on 24-25 October 2018.

SCCS is requested to give its opinion on the safety of the nanomaterial Colloidal Silver when used in cosmetics including toothpastes and skin care products with a maximum concentration limit of 1%, taking into account the reasonably foreseeable exposure conditions.

Only a limited amount of data was provided by the Applicants that corresponded to the SCCS Guidance on Safety Assessment of Nanomaterials in Cosmetics (SCCS 1484/12). The provided data were also not in line with the SCCS Memorandum on Relevance, Adequacy and Quality of Data in Safety Dossiers on Nanomaterials (SCCS/1524/13). Although other information is available in open literature relating to the toxicity of nano silver, their relevance with respect to the materials of this submission has not been considered by the Applicants. Due to a number of major data gaps, the SCCS is not in the position to draw a conclusion on the safety of colloidal silver in nano form when used in oral and dermal cosmetic products.

SCCS is requested to address any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of Colloidal Silver in nano form in cosmetic products. In addition to safety assessment of colloidal silver in nano form, consideration should also be given to the likely presence of ionic silver in different type of final products.