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Hypoallergenic metals used in jewelry-making are fashioned from metals that are unlikely to induce allergic reactions. There are several metal allergies, but nickel allergy is most prevalent. Many metals in jewelry are alloys, metal mixtures blended for added strength.

Although hypoallergenic metals are not substantially more expensive, most high-quality metals contain less nickel and are less likely to induce a reaction. Most people are not harmed by jewelry containing a trace amount of nickel.

Understanding which metals may create a reaction and which metals are safest for your skin may assist you in determining which metal is safest for your skin. Then, if you find jewelry labeled “hypoallergenic,” check the metal content to ensure that the combination will not irritate your skin.

Table of Contents

Hypoallergenic Metals for Sensitive Skin

Stainless Steel

Because it is hypoallergenic and inexpensive, stainless steel is often utilized in jewelry production. Those with susceptible skin should be aware that stainless steel contains trace levels of nickel.

Because stainless steel contains trace levels of nickel and iron, it may induce a reaction in people with hypersensitive skin. So, before you choose this metal for a piercing, consult with your physician to see if it would irritate your skin.

Stainless steel appears in more than 150 different grades. It is sturdy, does not tarnish, can be readily polished, and is an outstanding value. Stainless steel jewelry is often made from 316l or 316lvm and is sometimes referred to as medical-grade stainless steel because it does not react to the skin.

Sterling Silver

Because silver is a soft metal, it is often combined with other metals to aid work the metal and improve toughness. Sterling silver is 92.5 percent silver, as indicated by the .925 mark, combined with different metals, typically copper or zinc, to which some people may react.

The copper found in silver may then react, resulting in the strange green/black tint around the piercing. Severe responses can cause irritated and dry skin, sometimes rupture into blisters.

Sterling silver jewelry tarnishes because of the copper reacting with the air and skin. This tarnishing might rub off your skin, leaving behind black markings. Maintain your sterling silver neat and shined to limit tarnishing, and you should be fine.

Read more: How to Clean Silver at Home?

Gold

When it pertains to gold jewelry, it’s critical to consider the gold’s quality and composition. Many gold jewelry pieces are gold-plated metals, and gold plating can readily rub off and expose the underlying metal, causing irritation or illness.

Gold is an excellent hypoallergenic material. Nonetheless, 24kt gold is incredibly pliable and is frequently too soft for jewelry. Most of the time, you will find jewelry made of 14kt gold, which implies that 14 of the 24 karats are pure gold.

Nickel can be present in trace levels in the other components. However, most people with allergies to nickel can still wear these pieces if they buy high-quality gold. These items are typically made up of a large proportion of gold and a very tiny proportion of other metals.

Platinum

Platinum is a hypoallergenic metal that is ideal for jewelry. Although it is generally more expensive than some other metals, it rarely taints and does not cause an unpleasant rash.

Platinum is a highly prized metal due to its dazzling sheen, lack of reactivity, and scarcity. Because platinum is inert and hypoallergenic, it is suitable for first piercings. It’s a fantastic option for folks with skin sensitivities to silver and gold.

Platinum is also renowned as one of the world’s toughest and most durable metals. Therefore, purchasing platinum jewelry is a wise decision because you know it will last eternally, if not for an extended period.

Niobium

Niobium is another excellent choice for persons who are allergic to metals. It is very corrosion resistant and is utilized in surgical devices and tools. Because niobium is never coated or sprayed, the color will never flake or fade.

On a microscopic level, niobium offers a smoother surface quality than titanium; for items such as earring posts, this can reduce discomfort when passing through the ears. It is less common than titanium and typically more expensive.

Niobium is a non-reactive metal that is softer than titanium. Like titanium, it can be anodized in a wide range of colors. It is combined with other metals to give them strength, but it is mainly found in its pure form in jewelry.

Is Stainless Steel Hypoallergenic?

Stainless steel is a low-cost material that allows jewelers to build hypoallergenic and resistant jewelry. Because of its initial toughness, it is significantly more durable than gold and silver.

Whenever it comes to the development of stainless steel, the story is identical because nickel is the ideal metal for making this alloy. In such circumstances, the stainless steel will have low or insignificant nickel levels, making it suitable for hypoallergenic applications.

While some people may still be allergic to this product, it’s excellent jewelry to use if you are free from nickel allergy or only have a very low nickel sensitivity. Stainless steel retains its luster and is corrosion and heat resistant.

If you are severely sensitive to even the smallest amount of exposure to certain metals, you should avoid wearing any jewelry that includes any trace of these allergens. You should also know how sensitive your skin is to the metals utilized to create this alloy.

Is Sterling Silver Hypoallergenic?

Often, sterling silver jewelry is hypoallergenic. Sterling silver is an alloy made up primarily of silver and other metals that give strength to pure silver. Some sterling silver is nickel-free, while others are not.

Nickel, copper, and zinc are the metals most likely to cause an allergic reaction if you have sensitive skin. According to studies, nickel is the worst of the said trio because it irritates persons with sensitive skin.

This implies that you should always choose nickel-free products when shopping for jewelry since they are more likely to be hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, nickel is commonly employed in the production of metal alloys because of its outstanding qualities in hardening metals such as silver and gold.

Although nickel is utilized in sterling silver, the minimal quantity is not a worry for most individuals. Genuine sterling silver may tarnish because of the copper element; however, this can be remedied with frequent cleaning and wear.