Colloidal Silver (nano)

WG on Nanomaterials in Cosmetics
SCCS members: U. Bernauer (Chair), L. Bodin, Q. Chaudhry, P.J. Coenraads, M. Dusinska, E. Gaffet, E. Panteri, Ch. Rousselle, M. Stepnik, S. Wijnhoven (Rapporteur)
SCHEER members: P.H.M. Hoet, W.H. de Jong
SCCS external experts: N. von Götz, A. Simonnard
Contact: SANTE-C2-SCCSec [dot] europa [dot] eu (SANTE-C2-SCCS[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
On request from: European Commission
SCCS Number: SCCS/1596/18
Adopted on: 24-25 October 2018

Conclusion of the opinion:

1. In view of above, and taken into account the scientific data provided, the 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 in 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.

2. 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 the safety assessment of colloidal silver in nano form, consideration should also be given to the likely presence of ionic silver in different types of final products.

Keywords:

SCCS, scientific opinion, colloidal silver (nano), CAS 7440-22-4, EC 231-131-3, Regulation 1223/2009

Opinion to be cited as:

SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), Opinion on Colloidal Silver, 24-25 October 2018, SCCS/1596/2018.