Are Stainless Steel Earrings Hypoallergenic
Yes, stainless steel earrings are hypoallergenic unless they are not made of 304 or 316 grade stainless steel. These two grades contain high nickel percentage compared to other types which can lead to allergies for people with sensitive skin.
This article explains are stainless steel earrings hypoallergenic, what stainless steel types should you avoid, and how can you save yourself from skin allergy due to jewelry.
What Stainless Steel Types are Hypoallergenic?
There are three types or grades of stainless steel being used in jewelry.
- 304
- 316
- 316 L
Out of these three, only 316 L is completely hypoallergenic due to low nickel content. It is also known as surgical steel. Other stainless steel types can be non-hypoallergenic towards people with sensitive skin.
316 L vs Other Stainless Steel Types
316 L has relatively less content of molybdenum and nickel than other types of stainless steel. This makes it less reactive towards skin or cosmetic items like lotions, make up etc. Reaction with sweat can also happen. Apart from being hypoallergenic, it is more resistant towards corrosion and is more durable than other stainless steel types.
Other stainless steel types have high nickel content making them unsuitable for jewelry usage for people with sensitive skin. They are relatively less resistant towards corrosion and offer less durability.
Should You Avoid 304 or 316 Stainless Steel?
304 and 316 stainless steel are completely safe to wear for people who don’t have sensitive skin. However, people who have sensitive skin, must avoid it. It can lead to different type of skin reactions including allergies, blisters, redness of skin or even rash.
What to Look for While Buying Jewelry?
Make sure that every jewelry item you are buying is nickel-free product. This metal is highly reactive towards skin and can cause low to high level skin allergies. It is commonly found in low grade stainless steel, low-grade white gold and sometimes even gold plated jewelry as well. Other than that, you can also avoid buying jewelry made of copper or alloys containing high percentage of copper. It can also cause reactions like turning skin green or black etc.
Its better to check with your jeweler first whether the jewelry they are selling is hypoallergenic or not. Once they confirm it as nickel-free, it is safe to wear it.
Are Copper Earrings Hypoallergenic?
Copper is another metal known for its non-hypoallergenic properties. It is also reactive towards sensitive skins. Though, the intensity of reaction is not as severe as of nickel. Common problems arising due to copper are redness of skin, rash or skin turning green. Other than pure copper jewelry, this can also happen by wearing copper based alloys such as brass, bronze etc.
If you have sensitive skin, its better to avoid copper or copper based metals’ jewelry.
Alternatives to Stainless Steel Jewelry
Here are some alternatives to stainless steel jewelry. These alternatives are based on hypoallergenic properties of the metals not the budget.
Titanium Jewelry
Titanium is the safest metal for people with sensitive skin. It does not contain any amount of nickel and does not react with skin under any circumstances. Apart, it is lightweight and bio-compatible. This makes it a very safe choice as compared to low-quality stainless steel. However, it can be a bit expensive. A normal titanium ring can cost anywhere around $100.
Solid Gold jewelry
Solid gold jewelry can also be a good option as an alternative to stainless steel jewelry if budget is not a problem.
Not to be confused with the name, solid gold jewelry is not entirely made of solid gold. It is basically an alloy of gold mixed with other metals like copper. However, in higher purity gold alloys like 18k, the quantity of copper used is relatively less and chances of getting a skin allergy are also less. As purity level decreases just like 10k or 9k gold, copper content increases and chances of getting skin allergies as well.
So, if you are going with solid gold and have a sensitive skin, it is a must to buy high purity gold such as 18k or 14k. It must be noted that 14k can also cause mild level allergies to people with extra sensitive skins.
FAQ’s about Stainless Steel Earrings
Here are some FAQ’s about stainless steel earrings being hypoallergenic.
Which type of Stainless Steel is safe for Earrings?
316 L steel, also known as surgical steel is completely safe for jewelry.
Why 316 L Stainless Steel is better than Others?
It has low molybdenum and nickel content which ensures that you don’t get any allergies.
Should All people avoid Stainless Steel Earrings?
No. Stainless steel can only be avoided by people with sensitive skin. Not all people have sensitive skin. Apart, 316 L is completely safe of all types of skins.
Are there any budget friendly alternatives of Stainless Steel?
No. Stainless steel is the most hypoallergenic metal in low budget range. Other options like titanium and solid gold can be categorized as medium or high budget range options.
Conclusion
Stainless steel earrings are hypoallergenic if they are not made with grades of simple 304 and 316. If you have sensitive skin, then the best way is to not wear it. There are no other ways of avoiding allergies than not wearing it. Alternatives can include titanium and solid gold. However, if you don’t have a sensitive skin, then no worries. You can wear all stainless steel types without any problem.