Ionic Silver Explained: What It Is, How It Differs from Colloidal Silver & Common Questions Answered
- Jul 31
- 3 min read
If you've been researching ionic silver, you've probably come across a lot of conflicting information.
What exactly is ionic silver? Is it the same as colloidal silver? What does 50 PPM mean?
In this guide, we'll answer some of the most commonly searched questions so you can better understand ionic silver and what to look for when comparing products.
What Is Ionic Silver?
Ionic silver is a solution made from silver ions (Ag⁺) suspended in highly purified water.
Unlike metallic silver, which exists as tiny solid particles, silver ions are dissolved throughout the water and carry a positive electrical charge. High-quality ionic silver products are manufactured to maximise these silver ions while minimising metallic silver particles.
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, ionic silver and colloidal silver are not exactly the same.
Is Ionic Silver the Same as Colloidal Silver?
Not quite! Traditional colloidal silver contains microscopic silver particles suspended in water, while ionic silver primarily contains dissolved silver ions.
Many premium manufacturers focus on producing a solution with a very high percentage of ionic silver because silver ions are considered the active form within the solution.
Understanding this difference can help when comparing products, as not every silver solution is produced using the same manufacturing process.
What Does 50 PPM Mean?
One of the most common questions people ask is:
"What does PPM mean?"
PPM stands for Parts Per Million, which measures the concentration of silver within the solution.
For example:
10 PPM = 10 parts of silver per million parts of water
20 PPM = 20 parts per million
50 PPM = 50 parts per million
A higher PPM simply means a higher concentration of silver—it doesn't automatically indicate a higher-quality product. Manufacturing standards, purity and independent testing are just as important.
How Is Ionic Silver Made?
The quality of ionic silver depends on how it's manufactured.
Premium ionic silver is typically produced using:
Highly purified water
High-purity silver
Controlled manufacturing processes
Independent laboratory testing
These factors help ensure the solution has a consistent concentration and meets quality standards. When comparing products, look for brands that are transparent about how their ionic silver is made and independently tested.
How Should Ionic Silver Be Stored?
To help maintain quality, ionic silver should generally be stored:
In a cool, dry place
Away from direct sunlight
Away from excessive heat
With the lid tightly sealed when not in use
Many manufacturers offer both glass and PET bottles, allowing customers to choose the packaging that best suits their needs. Always follow the storage recommendations provided with the product.
How Do You Choose a Quality Ionic Silver Product?
When comparing brands, consider these key factors:
Independent testing to verify concentration and purity
Clearly labelled PPM so you know exactly what you're purchasing
High-purity ingredients
Transparent manufacturing processes
Quality packaging designed to protect the solution
These factors can help you make a more informed purchasing decision.
Why Choose HealthWest Ionic Silver Practitioner Strength 50 PPM?
When selecting an ionic silver product, transparency and quality matter. HealthWest Ionic Silver Practitioner Strength 50 PPM is manufactured using high-purity silver and purified water to create a practitioner-strength formulation. It is independently analysed by a NATA-certified laboratory to verify its concentration and purity and is available in both glass and PET bottles.
Key features include:
Practitioner Strength 50 PPM
Australian made
Independently tested by a NATA-certified laboratory
High-purity ingredients
Available in glass or PET bottles
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a higher PPM mean better quality?
No. PPM measures concentration, not manufacturing quality. Independent testing, purity and production standards are equally important.
Why is independent testing important?
Independent laboratory testing helps confirm that a product's concentration and purity match its specifications.
What should I look for when buying ionic silver?
Look for products with clearly stated PPM, transparent manufacturing, high-purity ingredients and independent laboratory testing.
Choosing the Right Ionic Silver
Understanding what ionic silver is, how it differs from colloidal silver, and what 50 PPM means can help you make a more informed purchasing decision. When comparing products, look for transparent manufacturing, independently verified testing and clearly stated concentrations.
If you're looking for a practitioner-strength formulation manufactured to high quality standards, HealthWest Ionic Silver Practitioner Strength 50 PPM offers a premium Australian-made option available through The Good Health Store.