Best Metals for Sensitive Skin

For many people – an estimated 20% according to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention – placing on a new necklace or another piece of jewelry and developing a rash isn’t uncommon. For the most part, this is due to a reaction to impurities in the metal, especially nickel.

However, sensitive skin doesn’t mean you have to give up wearing jewelry. There are plenty of fashionable and stylish options that are also hypoallergenic. So, if you find yourself developing a rash or irritation when wearing jewelry, consider shopping for these X metals when you buy your next piece.

Gold

Higher purity gold jewelry, such as 14kt or higher, is ideal for sensitive skin. However, it’s impossible to buy 100 percent pure gold. Gold is too soft in its pure form to make jewelry, thus gold alloys are used. 

Gold Plated

Gold plated jewelry is a  budget-friendly option compared to gold, but you have to be careful when purchasing anything gold plated and do proper research. The main issue with gold plated jewelry is that is it mixed with other metals, some of which can cause an allergic reaction. However, so long as you pay attention to the metal composition of your jewelry, this is a great option for people with sensitive skin. To better help prevent a reaction, aim for gold-plated sterling silver when possible

Platinum

While a bit rarer and more expensive than silver or gold, platinum is an extremely popular metal for hypoallergenic jewelry due to the fact that not only will it not cause rashes or irritations, but it is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear like corrosion. This means that if you’re looking for a pair to wear all the time, then platinum will be worth the investment.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is one of the most popular, budget-friendly options for sensitive skin. It’s also one of the most popular options for earrings. Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5 percent of silver by weight, with the rest being composed with a variety of other metals such as copper, which rarely causes an allergic reaction. Despite the fact it is not as pure as fine silver, which contains a higher percentage of silver, sterling silver still has a beautiful appearance.

Titanium

Very few people tend to suffer from allergic reactions when wearing titanium jewelry. In fact, it’s often praised as one of the most hypoallergenic options when compared to all other metals. It is non-reactive to almost all chemicals and other metals, so you don’t have to worry about it reacting with your skin or clothing. This means that it’s durable and won’t corrode. 

Surgical Stainless Steel

Surgical Stainless Steel often marked as SSS, is one of the most popular materials for body jewelry and more complex body modifications such as industrial piercings. Most people who still suffer from allergic reactions when wearing even gold and sterling silver tend to not react to stainless steel, making it a great, affordable option for everyone.