The European Commission has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft regulation aimed at updating the restrictions applicable to Silver (CAS No. 7440-22-4) in cosmetic products. The proposal is based on the latest Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) opinion published in April 2026.
Silver was classified as a Category 2 CMR substance in 2024, resulting in significant restrictions on its use in cosmetics. Under the current framework, nano-sized silver is prohibited, while micron-sized particulate silver is permitted only in limited oral care applications and at low concentration levels.
Following the assessment of newly submitted dermal penetration studies, the SCCS concluded that micron-sized particulate silver is not significantly absorbed through the skin and can be considered safe under specific conditions of use. Based on these findings, the European Commission is proposing to considerably expand the authorised uses of silver in cosmetic products.
According to the draft amendment, porous and sintered micron-sized silver would be allowed at the following maximum concentrations:
- 0.2% in rinse-off products
- 0.2% in oral care products
- 0.05% in mouthwashes intended for children
- 0.3% in leave-on products
- 0.3% in nail products
The proposal also amends Annex IV of the Cosmetics Regulation, expanding the use of silver as a colourant. While its previous authorisation was limited to specific product categories, silver would now be permitted in leave-on and nail products at concentrations up to 0.3%, provided that the ingredient has a porous and sintered particle structure. Uses that may result in inhalation exposure to the lungs would remain prohibited.
The draft regulation is currently open for comments under the WTO notification procedure until 28 September 2026. If adopted, the amendment is expected to provide greater flexibility for manufacturers using silver in cosmetic formulations while aligning the legislation with the latest SCCS safety assessment.