PPM, or parts per million, refers to how much silver is in your colloidal silver. It sounds like a problematic, super-scientific question, but it’s not! There’s just one crucial thing to understand about determining “how many ppm is best for colloidal silver”: that it indicates quantity, and quality!
Here’s how knowing that ppm of a product calling itself “colloidal silver” can help you to make a better choice.

How Many PPM is Best for Colloidal Silver?
To cut to the quick, the answer to “how many ppm is best for colloidal silver” is somewhere in the range of 15-25.
More is generally better. PPM means “part per million”, and having a higher colloidal silver-to-water ratio usually indicates a better product unless the number gets too high (more on that below).
What a Low PPM Colloidal Silver Indicates
A low ppm (10 ppm or below) indicates either a low-quality colloidal silver product or an ionic silver “colloidal” silver product (but not an true colloidal silver). When trying to figure out “how many ppm is best for colloidal silver,” low is definitely not the way to go.
When it comes to colloidal silver, the ppm (parts per million) concentration plays a crucial role in determining its quality and effectiveness. A low ppm, typically around 10 ppm or below, may indicate two possibilities: either you’re dealing with a low-quality colloidal silver product or an ionic silver solution falsely marketed as colloidal silver. In both cases, a low ppm is not desirable if you seek optimal results.
True colloidal silver, which contains suspended silver nanoparticles, is known for its effectiveness in promoting health and supporting the immune system. The higher the ppm concentration of true colloidal silver, the greater the concentration of silver nanoparticles, which are responsible for its beneficial properties.
What a High PPM Colloidal Silver Indicates
And while you do want more silver-to-water ratio (meaning a higher ppm), once the ppm starts looking really high… well, then we’re not talking about true colloidal silver anymore. Products with a very high ppm (500+ ppm) are usually silver proteins, not pure silver and pure water. They have a high ppm, but only a small amount of that ppm is silver!
Other signs a product might actually be a silver protein and not colloidal silver include any labeling that says “silver protein” or “mild silver protein.”
If you see labels that say “silver protein” or “mildly abductive”, then it’s likely not colloidal silver. The best way to tell if your product has a high enough concentration of real metal particles in suspension? Look at its ppm!
Products with very high ppm concentrations are often comprised of silver proteins, which are not composed solely of pure silver and pure water. These silver protein solutions may have a high ppm value, but only a small portion of that ppm actually consists of silver particles. It’s important to note that silver proteins have different properties and may not provide the same benefits as true colloidal silver.
To further distinguish between true colloidal silver and silver protein solutions, pay attention to the product labeling. If the label explicitly mentions “silver protein” or “mild silver protein,” it is a clear indication that the product is not true colloidal silver.
To ensure you’re getting a genuine colloidal silver product, the best approach is to examine the ppm concentration. True colloidal silver will have a sufficient concentration of real metal particles suspended in water, providing you with the desired benefits. By assessing the ppm value, you can gauge the quality and authenticity of the colloidal silver product you’re considering.

Why People Disagree About How Many PPM is Best for Colloidal Silver
Ionic silver, silver protein, and other products that aren’t true colloidal silver are cheaper and/or easier to make (regardless of what price they’re sold for).
Silver is a popular metal for skincare products because it’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Silver is excellent for supporting skin as it heals, but if you check the labels on over-the-counter silver products, they’re usually silver proteins or compounds—genuine or true colloidal silver gives more actual silver and fewer other ingredients, but that’s not what’s used, because it’s cheaper or easier to use other types of silver! True colloidal Solutions provide more actual actives while also containing fewer additives than proteins/compounds at higher ppm levels;
Of course, people want to sell what they can make—is ionic silver as good as true colloidal silver? No—and let’s get into why that is, and why you should pay attention to how many ppm is best for colloidal silver.
When it comes to colloidal silver products, it’s important to be aware of the differences between true colloidal silver and other variations like ionic silver and silver protein solutions. While these alternative products may be cheaper or easier to produce, they do not provide the same benefits as true colloidal silver.
Silver is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products. However, many over-the-counter silver products on the market are actually silver proteins or compounds, rather than genuine colloidal silver. These products may contain additional ingredients and additives, diluting the concentration of actual silver particles.
True colloidal silver, on the other hand, offers a higher concentration of pure silver particles and fewer additional ingredients. This means you get more of the active silver content and fewer unnecessary additives. True colloidal silver solutions are typically produced using more complex and controlled processes, ensuring the desired particle size and distribution for optimal effectiveness.
While ionic silver is another alternative, it is not as effective as true colloidal silver. Ionic silver solutions consist of silver ions dissolved in water, lacking the presence of larger silver particles. The larger particles in true colloidal silver provide enhanced surface area and stability, allowing for better interaction and effectiveness.
Do Studies Show the Truth About How Many PPM is Best for Colloidal Silver?
To answer that, we’re really looking at which kind of product calling itself “colloidal” silver is the best.
Ionic silver is sometimes marketed as being safer or more “bioavailable,” but let’s take that apart.
Nanosilver, true, pure, non-ionic super small silver particles have been shown (in what limited studies are available) to flow through and exit the body. The small size of nanoparticles means passing through cell walls and other places—which is really important when you want it to reach further and, importantly, leave and not accumulate.
Particle size is as important as considering how many ppm is best for colloidal silver.
Ionic silver does this to a lesser extent. It might have a small particle size, but being ionic, or “bioavailable” as it’s sometimes labeled actually makes it less desirable!
Ionic means that the silver doesn’t have the correct number of electrons, and will be looking for something to bond with. In one laboratory study using real cells, ionic silver was more likely to be attracted to other charged particles and accumulate, while non-charged (plain, pure) silver passed more freely.
True Ionic Silver has been shown in limited studies to flow through cell walls and other places–which means passing directly from one part on your body or bloodstream into another without accumulating anywhere along its path! This cavities-negative property also helps with oral ingestion as well because when you swallow these particles they go right down into our intestines where all good things happen – plus some bonus benefits like increased immunity generated through better circulation.”
Studies play an essential role in helping us understand the optimal concentration of colloidal silver, as measured in parts per million (ppm). However, it’s important to note that the research in this area is limited, and there is ongoing debate and varying opinions regarding the ideal ppm for colloidal silver.
One of the challenges in determining the best ppm for colloidal silver lies in the fact that different products may vary in their composition, particle size, and manufacturing processes. Additionally, factors such as the intended use, individual needs, and personal preferences can influence the desired concentration.
While some studies suggest that higher ppm levels may be more effective, it’s crucial to consider the quality and composition of the product as well. A low ppm may indicate a lower concentration of silver particles or the presence of ionic silver, which may have different properties and effects compared to true colloidal silver.
It’s recommended to consult with reputable sources, experts, and healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable in the field of colloidal silver. They can provide guidance based on the specific goals, health conditions, and preferences of each individual. Furthermore, conducting thorough research, reading customer reviews, and understanding the manufacturing processes of different products can help in making an informed decision.
While studies contribute valuable insights, it’s important to approach the topic of ppm in colloidal silver with an open mind and consider multiple factors to determine the concentration that aligns best with your needs and goals.
Do you want your colloidal silver to be “bioavailable”?
In one sense, you want colloidal silver to pass freely. That’s what true non-ionic colloidal silver does.
In another sense, you don’t want it taken up by the body/bonding with things, as ionic silver does. Once it bonds, it’s not colloidal silver anymore it’s a compound, and while it may not be valueless, it’s not as good as pure colloidal silver.
You want your Vitamin D, calcium, and other nutrients to be bioavailable—to easily get taken up through the digestive tract AND used by the body. Colloidal silver is immune support. You want it there, passing free, and not tied down. Silver should be free to interact with even smaller particles, namely, bacteria, viruses, and more.
True, pure colloidal silver, not ionic silver, is what you want. And the answer to “how many ppm is best for colloidal silver” means a product in the range of 20-50 ppm—because that’s one indication you’re looking at real colloidal silver.