EU Proposes New Restrictions for Micron-Sized Silver in Cosmetics

EU Notifies Draft Regulation on Micron-Sized Silver

The European Commission has notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) of a draft regulation to amend the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The notification, G/TBT/N/EU/1227, concerns the use of micron-sized particulate silver in cosmetic products.

The proposed amendment aligns with the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) opinion from 24 April 2026. The SCCS concluded that micron-sized particulate silver, defined as having a particle diameter between 100 nm and 1 mm, is safe for use up to specific concentrations. This provides clear, science-based conditions for an ingredient that has previously been an area of regulatory uncertainty.

The draft regulation establishes the following maximum concentration limits for micron-sized silver:

• 0.2% in rinse-off products
• 0.3% in leave-on products
• 0.2% in oral hygiene products
• 0.3% in nail products

For cosmetics intended for children, the same limits apply, with the exception of mouthwash, which is restricted to 0.05%.

You may access the notification here.