Silver has been valued for centuries and remains a popular ingredient in natural skincare, sprays, gels, and lifestyle products — but there's still plenty of confusion around the different types of silver available.
Should you choose ionic silver or colloidal silver? What do ppm levels really mean? And why do many premium brands (including us) choose amber colloidal silver for creams and gels?
A Brief History of Silver
Silver has a long history of traditional use across many cultures:
- Ancient civilisations used silver containers to help keep water and food fresher.
- Silver has long been associated with cleanliness and is still found today in items such as jewellery, cutlery, and decorative items, reflecting its traditional reputation for purity.
Today, silver remains a popular ingredient in cosmetic and lifestyle products, valued for its traditional associations and pleasant amber or clear appearance depending on the formulation.
Cosmetic products like ours are formulated to support:
- Skin freshness
- A comfortable, balanced feel
- A healthy-looking skin appearance
This is where ionic and colloidal silver differ.
Ionic Silver vs Colloidal Silver: What's the Difference?
Both have value — but they're formulated differently.
What Is Ionic Silver? (The Clear Type You See Everywhere)
Ionic silver is the most common type on the market. It appears completely clear because it contains silver ions (Ag⁺) rather than particles.
Features of Ionic Silver
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing on the skin's surface
- Popular for sprays, mists, and daily routines
- Stable at low ppm levels
- Dries quickly with a clean feel
We produce:
- Ionic Silver 10ppm – for everyday use
- Ionic Silver 20ppm – a slightly more concentrated formula
What Is Colloidal Silver? (The Amber Type in Premium Products)
True colloidal silver contains tiny metallic silver particles, not just ions. These particles reflect light — creating the amber or golden colour that indicates authentic colloidal silver.
Features of Colloidal Silver
- A particle-based formulation
- Popular for skincare, creams, and gels
- Stable over extended periods
- Valued in traditional and modern formulations alike
A Gradual Formulation
Colloidal silver particles are suspended throughout the solution, giving the formula its distinctive amber appearance and making it a popular choice for skincare formulations. This is why all of our gels and creams are made with premium amber colloidal silver rather than ionic silver.
Understanding PPM: Why We Use 10–20ppm
PPM = parts per million.
- 10ppm = 10 parts of silver per million parts of water
- 20ppm = 20 parts per million
These low levels offer good formula stability.
Why We Don't Make 50ppm, 100ppm, or Higher
Higher-ppm formulas can become less stable:
- Particles can clump together
- The solution can lose consistency
- The colour can become murky
- The formula can become less reliable
Low ppm levels (10–20ppm) are common in external, cosmetic formulations.
For colloidal silver, our focus isn't on high ppm — it's on particle quality, which is why our amber solution contains 80% true colloidal particles, reflecting our focus on purity.
Which Silver Type Should You Choose?
Choose Ionic Silver If You Want:
- A clear, ultra-light solution
- Fast-absorbing, daily freshness
- Easy daily use on hands or face
- A popular option for everyday sprays
Choose Amber Colloidal Silver If You Want:
- A traditional particle-based formula
- A rich, premium formulation
- A calming, comfortable skincare feel
- Premium quality for creams, gels, and skincare
Both are excellent — they simply offer different formulation styles.
Why Our Creams & Gels Use Amber Colloidal Silver
Amber colloidal silver is a premium, particle-based formulation that's popular in skincare, ideal for:
- Soothing, comforting formulations
- A calm, comfortable feel on the skin
- Fresh-feeling skin
- Premium cosmetic formulations
This is why all of our creams and gels are built exclusively with our premium Amber Colloidal Silver.
Browse Our Silver Solutions
Explore our full range of ionic and colloidal silver products: 👉 Shop Now | Browse Our Silver Solutions
Whether you prefer the lightweight feel of ionic silver or the rich formulation of amber colloidal silver, you'll find a product designed to complement your daily routine.