Colloidal Gold

Good

Preservative

No known benefits

Colloidal Gold at a glance

  • Gold particles that have been nanosized so that they remain dispersed evenly throughout a solution
  • Offers antimicrobial/antifungal properties
  • May also be used to enhance the delivery/efficacy of other key ingredients
  • Although it is derived from gold, the two differ greatly in their cosmetic functions

Colloidal Gold description

Colloidal gold refers to gold particles that have been nanosized so that they remain dispersed evenly throughout a solution. According to the Personal Care Products Council, colloidal gold functions as an antimicrobial/antifungal or skin-conditioning agent. Recent research has shown colloidal gold can also be bonded with key antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), where it helps prevent molecule degradation and releases them more effectively into skin. Colloidal gold has been used in the world of medicine, where there is a minor amount of research showing that it might have benefit because of assumed skin-soothing properties. Although colloidal gold has not been formally assessed by the Cosmetics Ingredient Review Expert Panel, initial research has not demonstrated safety concerns. Skin permeation studies have demonstrated that spherical gold particles are non-toxic to human skin cells. t’s important to note that colloidal gold and traditional gold serve different purposes in the realm of cosmetics. Delving into the entry for Gold will offer deeper insights into their contrasting functions.

Colloidal Gold references

  • Personal Care Products Council, Accessed July 2023, ePublication
  • Molecules, July 2022, pages 1-10
  • Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, May 2020, ePublication
  • Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, April 2019, pages 439-448
  • Cogent Chemistry, June 2016, pages 1-9

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.