The use of silver as an antimicrobial agent dates back into ancient times, when people first learned that water stored in silver vessels kept better than water stored in other types of containers. Colloidal silver is a solution of microscopic metallic silver particles dispersed in water.
Silver ions are known to be anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory which makes this an exciting ingredient for use in personal care products. Traditionally used to help wound healing, silver is now being incorporated as an anti-bacterial active into deodorants, sanitizers, wet wipes, intimate hygiene, dandruff shampoo, products for problem skin, men products, foot creams and oral care products.
This ingredient can also form part of a products preservation system although please note that as a preservative, our suspension is unlikely to work on its own in most products. Colloidal silver is much better at tackling bacteria than yeast and mould.
Silver Concentration: 2000 – 3000 ppm (parts per million = mg/L). This equates to 0.2-0.3% as supplied.
Solubility: Water
Suggested usage:
Anti-Microbial against | Application | Concentration (%) |
C. xerosis | Sweat | 0.10 |
P. acnes | Problem Skin | 0.20 |
M. furfur | Dandruff | 0.50 |
S. aureus | Cosmetic Preservative | ≥0.40 |
A. Brasiliensis | ||
E. coli | ||
B. cepacia | ||
C. albicans | ||
P. aeruginosa |
Note: The only way to be sure that your preservative system is working in your product is to carry out micro testing. While we are happy to pass on information and make theoretical recommendations of how to get the best out of our ingredients we can make no guarantees without this testing. There are two levels of test that a microbiological lab will do - one is a micro count which gives you a 'moment in time' look at the cleanliness of your formula and may also characterise the microbes present. The second is a Preservative Efficacy Test or PET. This is highly recommended as it tests how your product performs over time when it is challenged by microbes. You are legally required to market and sell products that are safe and microbial stability is an important part of that.
New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. does not supply food grade raw materials and therefore cannot waive GST.
Prior to use: Customers should always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet / Specification Sheet OR the ingredients label as affixed to each product which are current at the time of supply of the product.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Individuals receiving this information must exercise their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose or use.
As the ordinary or otherwise use(s) of products is outside the control of New Directions Australia Pty Ltd., no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the effect(s) of such use(s), (including damage or injury), or the results obtained. New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. expressly disclaims responsibility as to the ordinary or otherwise use(s). Furthermore, nothing contained herein should be considered as a recommendation by New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. as to the fitness for any use. The liability of New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. is limited to the value of the goods and does not include any consequential losses.