New EU regulations on the use of silver in cosmetics take effect on May 1, 2026. The Chief Sanitary Inspectorate explains what restrictions come into effect and stresses that products that meet the requirements based on scientific opinions should not be automatically withdrawn from the market.
New restrictions on silver in cosmetics from May 2026 GIS position statement
Published April 21, 2026 07:07
The Chief Sanitary Inspectorate has addressed emerging concerns regarding the use of silver (INCI Silver) in cosmetic products. As indicated in the post, as of May 1, 2026, the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2026/78, which amends regulations on substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction, will apply.
The new regulations introduce specific restrictions on various forms of silver used in cosmetics. The scope of banned substances is being expanded - in addition to silver in nano form (with a particle diameter of 1 to 100 nm), silver in solid form, with a particle diameter of more than 1 mm, is included in Annex II.
At the same time, new conditions of acceptability have been introduced for silver in powder form (with a particle diameter between 100 nm and 1 mm). According to the new entry in Annex III, this ingredient will only be allowed in toothpastes and mouthwashes - and at a maximum concentration of 0.05% in the ready-to-use product.
Changes also include the use of silver as a colorant. Annex IV limits its use (CI 77820) to lip products and eye shadow, with a maximum concentration of 0.2%.
GIS notes, however, that another draft regulation is under way in parallel, which may expand the scope of permissible use of silver. This draft is based on the opinion of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS/1687/25), prepared by independent experts based on toxicological data.
Under the proposed changes, silver in powder form could also be used in other product categories - both rinseable and non-rinseable - at maximum concentrations of 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively.
In its position, the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate stresses that there are currently no health grounds for withdrawing silver-containing cosmetics from the market, as long as they meet the requirements established on the basis of current scientific opinions. At the same time, it notes that the issue of further expansion of the uses of this ingredient remains pending in the regulatory process.
The inspectorate also reminds that the State Sanitary Inspection authorities may conduct individual investigations to verify the compliance of products with the regulations - particularly with regard to their labeling and communications to consumers.
Finally, the GIS stipulates that the position presented does not constitute a binding interpretation of the law. Competence for individual evaluation of administrative cases concerning the safety of cosmetics rests with the competent sanitary inspectors, who make decisions after an investigation.
Source: GIS
