Sunscreen filters & others
Silver
Restricted in European Union, United Kingdom, United States and Canada; not specifically regulated in Nigeria.
Why it matters
The EU classified silver as toxic to reproduction (CMR), so it is banned except in specific uses assessed as safe.
What to look for on the label
Silver, colloidal silver, nano silver.
Full name: Silver / nano silver
Country by country
Around the worldRestricted in European Union, United Kingdom, United States and Canada; not specifically regulated in Nigeria.
Why: The EU classified silver as toxic to reproduction (CMR), so it is banned except in specific uses assessed as safe.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | no specific ruleNot named in NAFDAC labelling, bleaching-agent or registration rules. |
| European Union | restrictedNano and massive silver banned from 1 May 2026; powder only in toothpaste/mouthwash 0.05%, lip/eye colourant 0.2%. |
| United Kingdom | restrictedSilver nitrate only in eyelash/eyebrow dyes, max 4%, with warnings (Annex III 48). |
| United States | restrictedColour additive only in fingernail polish, max 1%; colloidal silver drug claims not GRASE. |
| Canada | restrictedMouthwash max 0.04%; labels: 'contains silver' and avoid broken skin. |
Sources: NAFDAC cosmetics registration guidelines · Reg (EU) 2026/78 (Omnibus VIII) · UK Cosmetics Regulation Annex III · 21 CFR 73.2500 (+310.548) · Health Canada Hotlist (2025-08-13) via CosIng Checker (secondary). Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
Is it in your product?
Paste the ingredient list, scan the barcode or read it from a photo. The check flags silver and anything else worth knowing.
Read next
Education, not legal advice. Rules change: check with your country's regulator before relying on this.