How to Choose Hypoallergenic Jewellery (And What That Label Really Means)

Technically, hypoallergenic means "less likely to cause an allergic reaction" — not "guaranteed not to cause one." The term is not regulated by any UK or EU body, which means any brand can use it on any product, regardless of what it's actually made from.

In practice, a pair of earrings labelled hypoallergenic could still contain nickel, copper, or other metals that commonly cause reactions. The label is a marketing term, not a safety certification.

So what should you look for instead? Specific material grades and certifications — which we'll get into below.

Nickel allergy is the most common contact allergy in the UK — affecting an estimated 10–20% of the population, with women more commonly affected than men. Symptoms include:

• Redness and itching around the piercing or where jewellery sits on skin
• A rash or small blisters
• Dry, thickened, or scaly skin
• Swelling or tenderness

Nickel is found in many common jewellery metals — including some grades of stainless steel, brass, and white gold alloys. The key is knowing which metals are genuinely nickel-free and which simply contain low enough levels to be tolerated by most people.

If you have sensitive skin or a known nickel allergy, these are the metals to look for:

Implant-Grade Titanium (ASTM F136)

The safest option available. Titanium is completely nickel-free, biocompatible, and lightweight. It's the same grade used in surgical implants — your body simply doesn't react to it. It can also be anodised into a range of colours without any coating or plating. Our top recommendation for sensitive skin and healing piercings.

Implant-Grade Surgical Steel (ASTM F138)

Contains trace amounts of nickel (around 8–10%), but it's bound tightly within the alloy and releases very slowly. Most people — including many with mild nickel sensitivity — tolerate it well. Not suitable for confirmed nickel allergies, but a solid choice for most.

Solid 14k or 18k Gold

Pure gold is hypoallergenic, but most gold jewellery is alloyed with other metals for durability. 14k and 18k gold are generally well-tolerated, though white gold often contains nickel — so yellow or rose gold is the safer choice for sensitive skin.

925 Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is nickel-free, but contains copper (7.5%), which can cause reactions in some people. It can also tarnish when exposed to moisture, making it less ideal for healing piercings. For healed piercings worn daily, it's a beautiful and generally well-tolerated option.

Browse our full range of Titanium, Surgical Steel & Sterling Silver Piercing Jewellery — all crafted in skin-safe metals with no mystery alloys.

These are the ones to watch out for — especially in cheaper jewellery:

• Brass and bronze: Commonly used in fashion jewellery. Often plated, but the base metal can cause reactions once the plating wears.
• Unspecified "stainless steel": Not all stainless steel is implant-grade. Lower grades can contain higher levels of nickel and other irritants.
• Gold-plated or gold-filled jewellery: The plating itself may be fine, but the base metal underneath — often brass or copper — can cause reactions as the plating wears away. Not suitable for piercings.
• Nickel silver / German silver: Despite the name, contains no silver at all — it's a nickel-copper-zinc alloy. A common culprit for reactions.
• Acrylic and resin: Can harbour bacteria and are not suitable for healing piercings.

This is one of the most important distinctions to understand when shopping for jewellery — especially if you have sensitive skin.

• Solid metal: The piece is made entirely from one metal throughout. What you see is what you get, all the way through.
• Gold-plated: A thin layer of gold applied over a base metal (usually brass or copper). The plating can wear away with time, exposing the base metal to your skin.
• Gold-filled: A thicker layer of gold bonded to a base metal under heat and pressure. More durable than plating, but still not solid gold.
• PVD coating: Physical Vapour Deposition — a more durable coating process that bonds colour to the metal at a molecular level. More resistant to wear than traditional plating.

For piercings and sensitive skin, solid metals are always the safest choice. For everyday jewellery, PVD-coated pieces offer a good balance of durability and affordability.

Curious about gold plating in more detail? Read our guide: Is Your Gold Plated Jewellery Really Gold Plated?

If you're not sure whether a reaction is metal-related, here are a few things to try:

• Patch test: Wear the piece on your wrist or inner arm for a few hours before wearing it in a piercing. If you notice redness or itching, it's likely a metal reaction.
• Switch to titanium: If your piercing is consistently irritated despite good aftercare, try switching to implant-grade titanium. If the irritation clears up, the previous metal was likely the culprit.
• See a GP or dermatologist: A patch test from a dermatologist can confirm a nickel allergy definitively.