You may have heard that silver is a growing trend in beauty – but that doesn’t mean shimmery eyeshadow or metallic highlighter. We’re talking about colloidal silver, an ingredient that has actually been used for medical purposes for centuries.
“Colloidal silver is the generic term for substances with tiny particles of silver suspended in water,” explains Joy Isaacs, founder of Argentum skincare. “The ancient Romans used to put silver coins in milk to keep it fresh and Hippocrates, the ‘Father of Medicine’, taught people that silver supports healing processes. It’s soothing to any skin trauma and is still used extensively in the world of medicine.” So why should we be adding this medicinal metal to our beauty routines?
“Colloidal silver is an exceptional skincare ingredient that helps to calm the skin by reducing inflammation, and fights bacteria without destroying the natural fauna of your skin,” says Isaacs. “A good quality colloidal silver will increase the process of tissue protection and decrease irritant effects caused by oxidative stress, making it an extremely effective skincare ingredient for treating and soothing common conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema.”
That’s why we’re now seeing serums, moisturizers, mists, and soap infused with the precious particles. If you have a tendency to break out with spots or get flare-ups of rosacea or eczema, incorporating one of these products could make all the difference – as long as the active ingredient is sufficiently potent.
“Although many products on the market contain silver, not all are created equal,” he warns. “The colloidal silver that we use in our Argentum products is silver hydrosol – positively charged silver ions – made of 99.99 percent pure silver that is suspended in pharmaceutical-grade purified water. If you are going to incorporate silver as a part of your skincare routine, I would recommend investing in the highest quality and purest form you can find.”
Even if you don’t suffer from a particular condition, the anti-inflammatory properties of silver can calm a stressed-out complexion and are suitable for all skin types. So whether you’re looking to target spots or soothe your skin, here are Savoir Flair’s picks of the five best colloidal silver products on the market.
The Mask
Harnessing silver’s powerful antibacterial properties, this mighty mask fights off acne and keeps blemishes at bay. Formulated with colloidal silver, vitamin B3, and salicylic and glycolic acid, it works in as little as 10 minutes to smooth, brighten, and clear the complexion.
The Mist
This silver spray is the secret to healthy, beautiful skin in seconds. A powerful blend of rosewater, açai berry, probiotics, antioxidants stem cells, rose, and colloidal silver, it feeds your face with nutrients while locking in moisture, reducing redness, replenishing, and toning. A super spritz if ever we saw one.
The Cleanser
Not only does this clever cleanser transform into a soothing milk when mixed with water, but it also comes with a natural hypoallergenic sea sponge to effectively and gently remove all traces of dirt and makeup, deeply hydrate, and leave skin squeaky clean. Combining cutting-edge science with organic oils, it combines Silver Hydrosol with vitamin E, sweet almond oil, and argan oil to regulate skin’s natural flora while protecting and hydrating.
The Eye Mask
These perfecting patches do just what it says on the tin. Saturated with a healing blend of colloidal silver, aloe, and collagen to relieve tired and puffy peepers, they also contain pearl extract to visibly illuminate and rejuvenate the delicate eye area.
The Add-On
Not only is Mimi Luzon one of the most in-demand names in beauty (her masks are always seen gracing the faces of the Victoria’s Secret Angels), but she’s also the creator of some of the best silver-infused skincare treatments. This dreamy dust, made of powdered cosmetic-grade silver leaves, can be mixed into any cream or moisturizer to boost its beautifying properties. Once mixed in, the silver particles are instantly absorbed and work to fight infections and blemishes, reduce redness, and provide anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
