Colloidal Precious Metals
Colloid MAG
Colloid MAG is a 500 ppm colloidal suspension of nanosize silver particles in water. Although not approved as a preservative, it has natural antimicrobial activity that may contribute to a formula requiring less preservatives of a milder nature. When diluting, use only deionized water as ions and electrolytes can effect the silver colloid. Avoid freezing and direct sunlight. This product is light sensitive.
Refer to CTFA monograph ID 12658 for more information, as well the Q&A section below.
As always, it is up to the formulator to determine the suitability of colloidal gold in cosmetic applications for any particular geographic region.
For topical use only
INCI NAME
Colloidal Silver
| Appearance | Dark yellow liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.990 - 1.010 |
| pH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| Silver Content | <400 - 500 ppm |
| Microbial Count | <100 cfu/gm |
| Shelf Life | One year in a closed container |
| Storage and Handling | Avoid freezing and direct sunlight. Store at ambient temperatures. |
Information regarding U.S. cosmetic use, CTFA , FDA and EU regulations
[Note: These opinions reflect our current understanding of this area. We welcome your opinion if you disagree (or even agree) with the follow information as we are striving to provide guidance for appropriate cosmetic use. It is up to the formulator and cosmetic company to comply with local regulations when using our raw materials.]
We recently contacted the CTFA offices in NYC to address several questions about colloidal silver and gold use in U.S. cosmetics, since the CTFA monographs show regulations for using these materials as colorants. In short, the monographs stated silver can only be used as a colorant in select nail products and Gold is not allowed as a colorant in the US.
Question:
Does this mean colloidal silver and colloidal gold products can not be used in cosmetics in the U.S.?
Answer:
The answer is they both can be used under certain conditions. Both colloidal silver and colloidal gold can be used in cosmetics in the United States as long as they are not claimed as antimicrobial ingredients or used as colorants. Both of those areas are under FDA regulation. Otherwise, general cosmetic uses are fine at the ppm levels typically formulated when used as a skin beneficial ingredient, which is unregulated from the FDA perspective.
Question:
But how can this be possible since colloidal gold has a natural burgundy (red) color?
Answer:
Many ingredients have a natural color, but are not used as a colorant in the product. A prime example is retinoic acid derivatives. Retinoic acid products can be vivid yellow and are used for anti-aging and not as a yellow colorant. If you are using silver or gold for cosmetic use, then it is our understanding from talking to the CTFA, that it is fine to use in this context.
Question:
What about colloidal Silver possibly having some antimicrobial properties...does this become regulated by the FDA?
Answer:
If you claim an antimicrobial property, recommend internal use, or some benefit or other similar function in terms of drug activity on the label, then yes, it would be regulated and you are not using our colloidal silver properly in terms of cosmetic use. But if you use this ingredient as a cosmetic ingredient and do not otherwise claim regulated properties, then no, it is not regulated by the FDA. An analogous example here is many cationic materials have a potent antimicrobial property, but are used exclusively as a conditioner and are not used or labeled as a preservative or antimicrobial ingredient. The only consequence of their antimicrobial property is the final formula may require little or no added preservative after a challenge test is performed.
Question:
What about using these ingredients in the EU and other regions?
Answer:
In the EU, the INCI name for Gold as a colorant is CI 77480 and Silver as a colorant is CI 77820. As far as this and other regions are concerned, we are not currently aware of any additional restrictions, but cosmetic formulators are required to do their own due diligence when using this or any other product we sell to comply with all local and regional regulations.
Grant Industries, Inc also has a product with colloidal gold impregnated into a silicone elastomer. This powder, Gransil LS-Au, is the only naturally tinted elastomer on the market. Silicone fluids or natural oils can be added to the elastomer powder to create a rose-colored anhydrous cream that is translucent. This is a preferred vehicle for fragrance delivery since it has an excellent aesthetic profile for spa or massage treatments.
For topical use only