Silverlab Healthcare

What Silverlab Healthcare does

Silverlab Healthcare (Pty) Ltd is a privately held South African consumer health company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Roodepoort, Gauteng. The company manufactures and distributes a portfolio of ionic colloidal silver-based health products built on a proprietary electrically isolated ionic silver (Ag+) formulation produced via a specialized electrolytic method. Independent testing by the Institute of Public Health in Ostrava confirms the formulation contains 97.4% ionic silver content at 18 ppm concentration, achieving bioavailability at safe, low concentrations. The product range spans eight core SKUs — including an oral Immune Booster, topical Healing Spray/Gel/Cream, Burn Rescue, Nasal Spray, Ear Rescue, and 25 ppm Nebulising Liquid — plus a bundled Family Bundle, addressing antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory needs for households.

The company operates an A-grade pharmaceutical manufacturing facility registered with the South African Pharmacy Council and licensed by SAHPRA to manufacture medical devices under Section 22C(1)(b) of the Medicines and Related Substances Act. It is also registered with the US FDA. Products are sold through a hybrid go-to-market model: a direct-to-consumer Shopify storefront (silverlab.co.za) supplemented by broad retail distribution across South Africa — over 2,000 physical store locations spanning Dis-Chem, Clicks, Checkers, Shoprite, Wellness Warehouse, Faithful to Nature, and online marketplaces Takealot and Amazon.co.za. Pricing is purely transactional (one-time purchase, no subscription), with unit prices ranging from R68.99 to R143.99 and a Family Bundle at R461.00.

The business is founder-owned and operated by Ian McQueen (CEO) and Wendy McQueen (Founder), with a total headcount of 7 employees. Silverlab has cultivated a content-led growth engine through extensive blog and scientific content, accumulating 766 verified customer reviews at 4.78 stars. The company relies on third-party scientific validation (CSIR, SABS, Synexa Life Sciences, Assurecloud, Tshwane University of Technology) to substantiate its efficacy and safety claims, including SARS-CoV-2 inactivation, bacterial elimination, and 90-day oral toxicity studies. Geographic scope is concentrated in South Africa, with Amazon.co.za representing the first step toward broader international reach.

Name

Silverlab Healthcare

Legal name

Silverlab Healthcare (Pty) Ltd

Website

https://silverlab.co.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Silverlab Healthcare is a South African consumer health company that manufactures and distributes ionic colloidal silver health products (oral, topical, nasal, ear, and nebulised) across 2,000+ retail stores and its own e-commerce storefront, serving health-conscious households seeking natural, science-backed antimicrobial remedies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Colloidal Silver Health Products

NAICS

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254)

SIC

Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)

akta.pro primary industry

Dermatology & Topical Skin Treatments (HLAIADAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dermatology Specialty Pharmaceuticals (HLAIACAL), Antimicrobial Wound Care (Silver/Iodine/PHMB Dressings, Wound Irrigation) (HLAHALAC), Nasal Drug Delivery Devices (Sprays/Powder Devices) (HLAHAIAK)

Keywords

• Colloidal silver supplements
• Ionic silver health products
• Wound care sprays
• Immune support liquids
• Natural antimicrobial remedies

Headquarters

HQ city

Roodepoort

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct Product Sales: Silverlab Healthcare generates revenue through the direct sale of physical consumer health products. The product range spans ionic colloidal silver liquid (Immune Booster), topical sprays (Healing Spray, Burn Rescue), gels (Healing Gel), creams (Healing Cream), nasal spray, ear drops (Ear Rescue), and nebulising liquid. Revenue is generated through one-time per-transaction purchases — no subscription model is evident. Products are sold at unit price points ranging from R68.99 to R143.99 for standard items, with a Family Bundle at R461.00. Both online (own storefront and marketplaces) and offline (physical retail) channels contribute to revenue.
2. Marketplace & Retail Distribution: Silverlab products are distributed through third-party marketplace and retail channels (Takealot, Amazon.co.za, Dis-Chem, Clicks, Checkers, Shoprite, Wellness Warehouse, Faithful to Nature) where the company supplies at wholesale/unit pricing and the retailer sells to end consumers. This creates a parallel revenue stream alongside the direct e-commerce channel.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Silverlab Healthcare manufactures and sells pharmaceutical-grade ionic colloidal silver health products under its proprietary 18 ppm and 25 ppm formulations. The product range includes an oral Immune Booster, topical Healing Gel, Healing Spray, Healing Cream, and Burn Rescue, plus targeted Nasal Spray, Ear Rescue ear drops, and Nebulising Liquid, all leveraging a 97.4% ionic silver content produced via a specialized electrolytic method. Products are sold direct-to-consumer through the company's Shopify storefront and distributed via major South African pharmacy chains, grocery retailers, wellness stores, and online marketplaces.

Product overview

Silverlab Healthcare offers a focused portfolio of ionic colloidal silver-based health products centred on their proprietary 18 ppm ionic (Ag+) silver formulation, which has been independently verified at 97.4% ionic silver content. The product line includes oral immune support (Immune Booster), topical wound and skin care solutions (Healing Gel, Healing Spray, Healing Cream, Burn Rescue), targeted respiratory and ENT applications (Nasal Spray, Ear Rescue, Nebulising Liquid), and a Family Bundle combining all products. All formulations are pharmaceutical-grade, manufactured under GMP processes, and contain 99.99% pure ionic silver in deionised water, targeting antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory applications for the whole family.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Immune Booster Oral liquid immune support supplement containing pharmaceutical-grade ionic (Ag+) colloidal silver at 18 ppm concentration, targeting and eliminating harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi while supporting the immune system against colds, flu, and gastric upsets. Available in 200ml, 500ml, 1 litre, and 2.5 litre sizes.
• Healing Gel Topical pharmaceutical-grade ionic (Ag+) colloidal silver gel at 18 ppm with polymer gel, plant-based glycerine, and propylene glycol, recommended by doctors and homeopaths for acne, open wounds, scrapes, bites, stings, and burn wounds.
• Healing Spray Multi-purpose pharmaceutical-grade ionic (Ag+) colloidal silver spray at 18 ppm for topical use, providing antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory support for eye infections, oral care, skin care, and wound and burn care.
• Healing Cream Barrier cream enriched with 18 ppm ionic (Ag+) colloidal silver and 18% avocado oil, available in 75ml and 120ml sizes, soothing and promoting healing for eczema, acne, dermatitis, skin infections, and acting as a gentle moisturiser with antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Nasal Spray Nasal spray containing pharmaceutical-grade ionic (Ag+) silver at 18 ppm, designed to combat airway infections, relieve congestion, and maintain clear nasal passages for sinusitis, post-nasal drip, nasal congestion, and allergies; free from cortisone and harsh chemicals.
• Ear Rescue Ear drops containing 18 ppm ionic (Ag+) colloidal silver with SilverRepair, combating ear infections, particularly swimmer's ear, by clearing trapped water and debris from the ear canal; safe for use with grommets or perforated eardrums.
• Burn Rescue First aid spray for immediate burn management containing pharmaceutical-grade ionic (Ag+) silver at 18 ppm, providing rapid cooling relief, soothing and accelerating healing of skin and tissue, and safe for use on skin, eyes, throat, and lungs.
• Nebulising Liquid Premium-quality ionic silver solution at 25 ppm specifically formulated for use in nebulising devices, supporting respiratory health by combating respiratory infections; pH-balanced, gentle on senses, and free from hidden chemicals or complex additives.
• Family Bundle Comprehensive bundled product containing all six core Silverlab products: Immune Booster (200ml), Healing Gel (75ml), Healing Cream (75ml), Nasal Spray, Ear Rescue, and Healing Spray, offering complete family health support across immune, topical, and respiratory care needs at a discounted bundle price of R461.00 versus R658.95 individually.

Quantifiable outcome

• Eliminates E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Vibrio cholerae within 30 seconds of contact (Assurecloud efficacy study)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Dis-Chem PharmaciescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDis-Chem is one of South Africa's largest pharmacy retail chains and serves as a core offline distribution channel for Silverlab products. Silverlab products are stocked across Dis-Chem's nationwide store network, placing them within reach of health-conscious consumers at the point of pharmacy purchase.
• Clicks GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorClicks Group is a major South African pharmacy and health retail chain that stocks Silverlab products across its national footprint, complementing Dis-Chem as a key pharmacy retail partner.
• TakealotcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTakealot is South Africa's leading online marketplace and a primary digital distribution partner for Silverlab, with direct purchase links from the Silverlab website and dedicated brand filtering. All core SKUs are available via Takealot.
• Checkers and ShopritecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCheckers and Shoprite are two of South Africa's largest grocery retail chains. Their inclusion positions Silverlab in the mass-market grocery channel beyond specialized pharmacy, broadening consumer accessibility and normalizing the brand in everyday shopping contexts.
• Amazon.co.zaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmazon's South African marketplace serves as an additional online retail channel for selected Silverlab products (Burn Rescue, Healing Spray, Immune Booster), providing international-standard e-commerce fulfillment and expanding reach beyond South Africa's domestic platforms.
• Wellness WarehouseminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWellness Warehouse is a South African health and wellness retail chain. Its alignment with the natural health consumer segment complements Silverlab's positioning, placing products alongside complementary natural remedy brands.
• Faithful to NatureminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFaithful to Nature is a South African online and physical retailer focused on natural, organic, and eco-friendly health products. The partnership reinforces Silverlab's positioning as a clean-label, natural health brand targeting wellness-oriented consumers.
• ShopifycoreTechnology or IntegrationSilverlab's e-commerce storefront (silverlab.co.za) is powered by Shopify's platform. Shopify provides the technical infrastructure for the online store including hosting, payment processing, checkout, and order management. The Terms of Service explicitly note that 'Silverlab is powered by Shopify' and that 'any sales and purchases made in our Store are made directly with Silverlab.'
• CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe CSIR's NextGen Health Cluster conducted a definitive study evaluating Silverlab's ionic silver against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), demonstrating ~99.9% effectiveness at 30 seconds and ~99.99% at 60 seconds. Additionally, CSIR's Molecular and Biomedical Technologies division conducted MTT cell viability assays confirming zero toxicity to A549 human lung cells, and a 28-day inhalation toxicity study showed no clinical signs of toxicity.
• Synexa Life SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSynexa Life Sciences conducted multiple independent studies on Silverlab products including: anti-inflammatory activity testing on human blood (demonstrating 5x reduction in IL-6 and TNF-α), effects on Candida albicans, effects on melanoma cell lines, and effects on 4 cancer types and PBMCs. These studies form the scientific backbone of Silverlab's efficacy claims.
• South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) CommercialcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSABS Commercial conducted independent testing of Silverlab's ionic colloidal silver including: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris; bioburden level determination (zero count); sterility testing (USP27); and effects on Candida albicans. These tests validate Silverlab's pharmaceutical-grade quality claims.
• Institute of Public Health in OstravaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Institute of Public Health in Ostrava conducted independent composition analysis verifying that Silverlab's formulation contains 97.4% ionic silver out of total silver content — the key scientific basis for Silverlab's bioavailability and efficacy claims versus competing colloidal silver products.
• AssurecloudminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssurecloud conducted independent microbiological efficacy testing demonstrating that Silverlab 18 ppm liquid completely eliminated E. coli O157:H7 within 30 seconds of contact, validating the product's rapid bactericidal claims.
• Institute for Disease Control AfricaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Institute for Disease Control Africa conducted research on Silverlab's ionic silver against the African Horse Sickness Virus (AHSV), concluding that an 11.25 ppm concentration caused total inhibition of viral cultures.
• Starlight Laboratories / Tshwane University of TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStarlight Laboratories, operating under the ethics committee of Tshwane University of Technology, conducted the company's 90-day oral toxicity study on Sprague Dawley rats at 14ml/kg/day. The study confirmed no clinical abnormalities, no mortality, normal blood chemistry, and normal liver and kidney function — providing the primary safety evidence cited by Silverlab across its communications.
• La-Bio Research (Tshwane University of Technology)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLa-Bio Research at Tshwane University of Technology conducted the initial 28-day oral toxicity study on Sprague rats in 2008, which preceded the 90-day study and established initial safety validation for Silverlab's ionic colloidal silver.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol (Innovative Medicine): Brand of pharmaceutical-grade ionic silver hydrosol marketed for immune and microbial support. Directly competes with Silverlab on active form (Ag+ hydrosol), dosage philosophy, and practitioner/consumer channel strategy.
• Natural Immunogenics Corp: US-based manufacturer of Sovereign Silver and Argentyn 23 ionic silver hydrosols. Most directly comparable peer — uses a similar ionic Ag+ active, sells OTC silver hydrosol products across topical and oral applications, and competes in the same premium colloidal-silver category.
• American Biotech Labs: Manufacturer of ASAP silver hydrosol products using similar oligodynamic silver technology. Closely aligned to Silverlab on ionic silver formulation, OTC positioning, and antimicrobial efficacy claims.
• Nutribiotic: US colloidal silver and immune-support supplement brand. Sells competing colloidal silver liquids and tablets in natural-health retail and online, overlapping Silverlab on active ingredient, channel positioning, and target consumer.

Broad incumbents

• NOW Foods: Large US natural products manufacturer with broad supplement portfolio including colloidal silver SKUs. Significantly larger scale than Silverlab; relevant as a benchmark for category economics and retail reach.
• Integrative Therapeutics: US-based manufacturer of practitioner-channel natural medicines with GMP manufacturing and broad therapeutic range. Comparable on pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing standards and clinical-evidence-led positioning.
• Designs for Health: Premium US practitioner-grade supplement brand with similar pharmaceutical-grade positioning, broad retail pharmacy distribution, and emphasis on clinical evidence. Broader category than Silverlab but comparable premium-OTC channel and credibility model.
• Gaia Herbs: US herbal supplement brand with vertically integrated organic farming and broad natural-health portfolio. Overlaps with Silverlab on natural-remedy consumer positioning and premium retail channel placement.
• Boiron: Global leader in homeopathic OTC remedies sold through pharmacies and health retailers. Comparable on retail pharmacy distribution, OTC consumer positioning, and multi-SKU family health portfolio.

Emerging players

• Trace Minerals Research: US-based liquid ionic mineral supplement brand focused on ionic mineral delivery systems. Comparable technology approach (ionic mineral hydrosols) and natural-health retail distribution model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ianmcqueen5661
• Facebookfacebook.com/silverlab
• Instagraminstagram.com/silverlab_healing
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/silverlab-healthcare

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Silverlab Healthcare