Last updated: March 2026
Silver has been valued for its antimicrobial properties for a very long time. Ancient civilisations used silver vessels to store water and preserve food. Surgeons used silver plates in bone repair well into the 20th century. Even today, silver is found in medical-grade wound dressings used in hospitals around the world.
Colloidal silver is the modern household form of this centuries-old tradition — tiny silver particles suspended in purified water, available as a liquid, spray, or topical application. And in natural health circles, it remains one of the most talked-about products on the shelf.
Here's a grounded look at what colloidal silver is, how people use it, and what to look for when buying it in Australia.
Colloidal silver is a liquid solution containing microscopic silver particles suspended in water. The word "colloidal" simply describes the nature of the mixture — one substance (silver nanoparticles) dispersed evenly through another (water), without fully dissolving.
The quality of colloidal silver varies significantly between products. Key factors include:
PPM (parts per million) - the concentration of silver particles in the solution. Products typically range from 10 to 500 PPM. Higher isn't always better; many practitioners favour lower concentrations like 10–20 PPM for daily use.
Particle size - smaller particles have a larger surface area relative to their volume, which is considered important for how the solution performs. Nano-scale particles (under 100 nanometres) are preferred in quality products.
Purity - look for products made with 99.99% pure silver and pharmaceutical-grade or de-ionised water, free from chemical stabilisers or additives.
Charge - positively charged silver particles are generally considered more bioavailable and effective than neutral particles.
The two brands we stock at Santos - NAClo Health Products and Allan Sutton's — both meet these quality benchmarks. Allan Sutton has been manufacturing colloidal silver in Australia since 1995 using lab-grade water and 99.99% pure silver, and his products carry a strong following in the natural health community.
Silver's antimicrobial applications predate modern medicine by centuries. Greek and Roman physicians used silver vessels to keep water fresh on long journeys. Silver coins were placed in milk to slow spoilage. In the 19th century, surgeon B.C. Credé used silver-based ointments to treat wounds and prevent eye infections in newborns.
Before antibiotics became widely available in the 1940s, colloidal silver was commonly used in medical practice as an antimicrobial agent. Its use declined with the arrival of penicillin - not because it stopped working, but because pharmaceutical antibiotics were easier to standardise and prescribe.
Silver's antimicrobial properties never disappeared from medicine though. Today you'll find silver in burn treatment dressings, wound care bandages, and antimicrobial coatings used in medical devices.
The natural health community uses colloidal silver in a range of ways. These are based on tradition and anecdotal experience rather than established clinical evidence, and we always encourage you to consult a qualified health practitioner for any specific health concern.
Topical application The most widely supported use for colloidal silver is on the skin. People apply it to minor cuts, grazes, burns, and skin irritations, and use it as a topical spray for acne-prone or sensitive skin. Silver's antimicrobial properties are well-established in the context of wound care.
The Allan Sutton's Colloidal Silver Spray 200ml is a popular choice for this — easy to apply, no harsh ingredients, and convenient to keep in the bathroom cabinet.
As a travel companion Colloidal silver spray is a staple in many people's travel kits — particularly when travelling to destinations where water quality or hygiene conditions are less predictable. The Allan Sutton's Travellers SOS 100ml is specifically designed for this purpose: compact, carry-on friendly, and versatile for both topical use and surface cleaning.
Oral use Some people take colloidal silver orally as part of their wellness routine, typically holding it under the tongue for a short period. It's worth noting that oral use is the more contested application — health authorities including Australia's TGA advise caution with internal use and recommend consulting a healthcare professional. Used responsibly and at appropriate concentrations, many Australians incorporate it into their daily routines, but it's not something to take casually or in high doses over long periods.
Pets and animals A growing number of pet owners use colloidal silver topically for minor wounds, skin irritations, and ear care in dogs and cats. Always consult your vet before use with animals.
Not all colloidal silver is made equal, and the market includes products that vary widely in quality. When shopping, look for:
We stock a curated range at Santos covering different formats and concentrations:
Colloidal silver is legal to buy and sell in Australia. Some products are registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which means they've met TGA standards for quality, safety, and labelling.
The main risk associated with excessive long-term internal use is a condition called argyria - a permanent bluish-grey discolouration of the skin caused by silver accumulation in the body. This is rare and generally associated with very high doses or prolonged ingestion of low-quality products. Using reputable products at recommended concentrations is the sensible approach.
As with any natural supplement, particularly one intended for internal use, we recommend talking to your naturopath or healthcare practitioner to understand whether it's right for your situation.
Colloidal silver has a long history, a devoted following, and a legitimate place in the natural health toolkit - particularly for topical use. The key is buying quality, using it responsibly, and understanding what you're using it for.
If you'd like to know more about the products we stock or get a personal recommendation, visit us in store at Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, or our new Banksia location - or shop the full colloidal silver range online and get it delivered anywhere in Australia.
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