Sensational studs or delightful dangles, subtle and chic or bold and pure retro, earrings have adorned the lobes of human beings for millennia. A glint of a diamond or some boho arches in primary colours, earrings add that final flourish to your outfit. But what if you have an allergy to certain metals, or have sensitive skin that breaks out at the mere hint of anything other than pure gold?
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the best earrings for sensitive ears. We’ll examine the different types of earrings available and what to choose if you’re looking for the best hypoallergenic earrings.
We’ll take a tour of the best metals for sensitive ears and discuss how to find allergy-free earrings without spending a fortune. Banish those itchy, sore and sensitive lobes and let’s delve into our hypoallergenic earring buyer’s guide.
What are hypoallergenic earrings?
Hypoallergenic earrings are the best choice for individuals with sensitive ears. They use materials designed to minimise the risk of an allergic reaction, particularly in those sensitive to certain types of metals. The reaction is triggered when the body’s immune system senses the presence of certain metals or materials through direct skin contact. The reaction is usually localised around the contact point, but in extreme cases can activate a much more dramatic reaction affecting the entire body.
In most cases, the reaction is limited to itching, inflammation and soreness. However, prolonged exposure, especially if the skin is broken, can lead to an infection that can be extremely painful.
The most common trigger for allergic reactions in earrings is the inclusion of nickel in the base metal of the stud or loop. Cheap earring findings often contain surprisingly high levels of nickel, which, even in people who don’t usually have a problem, can trigger an allergic reaction. Allergy-free earrings have either exceptionally low levels of nickel or are entirely free of the element altogether. Earrings for sensitive skin are made from safe materials, including:
They may also have a coating on them to prevent the skin from coming into contact with the metal finding.
Why do hypoallergenic earrings matter for those with sensitive ears?
Wearing earrings that cause an allergic reaction isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be hazardous, especially if you have a severe allergy to a specific type of metal or material, such as resin. Earrings for sensitive ears ensure that you don’t spend the entire evening focusing on the discomfort you’re suffering or end up with angry flare-ups. The best hypoallergenic earrings ensure that you don’t end up with itchy, sore ears.
People who suffer from skin conditions such as a susceptibility to contact dermatitis or eczema will also benefit from wearing allergy-free earrings. They’re also advisable for those who like to wear their earrings for extended periods, leave them in permanently, or don’t want to risk triggering an allergic reaction.
What causes sensitivity?
The body’s immune system is an incredibly complex and sensitive network that, when it senses something it doesn’t like, goes into overdrive. It produces a substance called histamine, which causes redness, itching, and swelling. It’s the same chemical that’s produced if you suffer from hay fever or a pollen allergy, or if you’re stung by a bee. The body is trying to protect itself against a trigger that can cause a reaction. These reactions can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the severity of the allergy.
Which materials can cause earring sensitivity?
We’ve already mentioned that nickel is the most common reactive metal, but it’s not the only one that can cause sensitivity. Some people cannot tolerate any base metal, even when it’s been plated with gold or silver.
Low-quality metals, including brass, copper, and iron, as well as mixed alloys commonly found in inexpensive jewellery findings, can cause skin irritation through oxidation or leaching. A good indicator that an earring finding contains high levels of copper is that the skin turns green around the contact point.
Modern fashion jewellery often comes with a resin coating. Some people, though, are susceptible to resin (both 2-part epoxy and UV resin), especially when the resin comes into direct contact with the skin, such as on the backs of earrings. While cured resin is not technically toxic, some individuals are hypersensitive to it. Resin toxicity can cause a more extreme reaction than metal allergies, so if you know you’re sensitive to resin, it’s one to definitely avoid.
Some earring findings are coated with a very thin layer of real gold or silver; the trouble is that once this coating begins to degrade and wear, the base metals underneath are exposed. If you don’t want to go to the expense of buying pure gold earrings, look instead for gold-filled earrings. A filled coating is much thicker than standard plating and will last much longer.
Other causes of sensitivity can include introducing earrings into a new piercing, wearing stud earrings with the butterfly back pressed too firmly against the ear, and wearing earrings for an extended period.
The best hypoallergenic earrings
If you have a sensitivity to base metals or nickel, what options are safe for you to wear?
Gold – Although it may be expensive, when it comes to the best hypoallergenic earrings, gold is one of the safest metals available. The higher the Karat number, the purer the gold. So 24K gold is almost completely pure, while 9K or 18K gold has a certain amount of copper, zinc or silver added to it. This is to increase its tensile strength, as pure gold is incredibly soft and not suitable for everyday wear. Most gold earrings are around 14K, so they do contain some additional alloys, but not in large amounts. This makes them strong enough for everyday wear but less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
Surgical-grade steel – This is exactly what it says – steel that’s highly refined and used to make surgical instruments. It’s hypoallergenic and one of the best metals for sensitive ears. It’s incredibly easy to keep clean and hygienic, and the soft silver colour works well with a wide range of designs and fashion earrings.
Titanium – Titanium is a top choice for hypoallergenic earrings. Not only is it completely nickel-free, but it is also used in the medical profession to make body implants, such as hip joints, making it fully biocompatible. Lightweight and incredibly strong, it’s perfect for all-day wear without triggering an allergic reaction.
Niobium – Like titanium, niobium is completely nickel-free and also doesn’t contain any other common irritants, so it’s a perfect choice for earrings for sensitive ears. It’s also biocompatible, with allergic reactions to this metal extremely rare. Niobium can also be anodised to create a rainbow of different colours without the use of dyes or coatings that could trigger a reaction, making it a versatile choice for fashion earrings.
Platinum – This gorgeous metal first became popular in jewellery making in the 1920s and is today one of the top choices for upmarket, allergy-free earrings. Look for pure platinum marked as Pt950, which is 95% platinum and extremely unlikely to trigger an adverse reaction. Unlike some white-gold alloys, platinum doesn’t contain nickel. As well as being durable and robust enough for everyday wear, like gold, it doesn’t tarnish. So it stays looking stunning, no matter how many times you wear those gorgeous platinum and diamond studs.
The best earring brands for sensitive ears
Finding the best earrings for sensitive ears can be a challenge, especially when considering budget-friendly options. They are often not accurate in their descriptions of the quality of metals used, and a pair of allergy-free earrings may hold some nasty secrets. There are some brands, though, that specialise in hypoallergenic earrings, some of which use some fairly exotic materials.
UNOde50 is a Spanish brand that uses a hypoallergenic alloy called Zamak, which is made from zinc, aluminium, magnesium, and copper. Offering droppers, hoops, and studs, their distinctive rustic style is charmingly boho and wonderfully chic without the worry of itchy ears after five minutes of wear. Their earrings range from £60 to £160, depending on the style and plating metal (gold or silver).
Pandora is a high-street favourite and has built a brand based on affordable luxury with real attention to detail. Their earrings for sensitive ears are gorgeously styled and innovative, with just the right amount of sparkle to add a truly luxurious feel. With prices starting around £40 and rising to £200 or more, there’s a wide range of options for every budget.
Thomas Sabo is renowned for crafting unique designs influenced by the world around us (and beyond). The brand’s use of premium quality materials makes their earrings naturally hypoallergenic, and prices range from £20 to £150. NB those with severe allergies should still check product materials individually.
FAQs
Are specific designs of earrings best for those with sensitive ears?
The three most common styles of earrings are studs, hoops, and drops. Studs are discreet, small, and elegant, making them the ideal choice for everyday wear at work. In fact, many jobs specify that if earrings are worn, they should be studs as they are less likely to get caught or pulled. However, because they use a clip or clasp at the back of the post to secure them, it is very easy to attach them too tightly, which in turn can cause pressure irritation. The back of the earring is also flat against the skin, making it easy for dirt to become trapped between the earlobe and the earring. All of this can result in irritation.
Hoops are refined and hugely popular for their versatility and comfort. From small rings to large hoops, they come in a variety of sizes and different metals. They are also often left in for longer than studs, which in turn can lead to irritation through prolonged exposure to the metal.
Drops use a ‘fish hook’ style fastening, which is easy to wear, making them popular for fashion jewellery. However, it can be difficult to ensure the authenticity of the findings, and unless they are certified as solid gold or other materials such as surgical-grade stainless steel or titanium, they can be made from poor-quality materials; this could result in an allergic reaction.
How often should I clean my earlobes?
Just like every other part of your body, your ear lobes should be cleaned daily, especially if you have recently had your ears pierced. While the piercing is still fresh, it is susceptible to infection as it is technically an ‘open wound’. It is therefore essential that you follow the advice of your piercing specialist and go to your GP straight away if you notice any sign of infection, including redness, soreness, itching or any form of discharge from the piercing.
What about the earrings themselves?
Even if you have the best hypoallergenic earrings, they should still be cleaned regularly. Most can be gently cleaned with warm, soapy water, then rinsed and allowed to air dry before being wiped with a soft cloth to remove any watermarks. It’s best to do this once every week or two. If you want to make absolutely sure they are completely free of any contaminants on the surface, or if you’ve suffered an infection while wearing them, our advice is to have them professionally cleaned by a jewellery cleaning service.
Should I take my earrings out when I go to bed?
If you wear small hoops, they can be left in for longer periods and are suitable for wearing to bed, especially if they are made from allergy-free materials. Studs can feel uncomfortable when you lay your head down, and the butterfly backs can become detached, allowing the earring to fall out, so it’s best to take them off at night. The same applies to drops to avoid the fish hook back snagging on the bed linen and potentially tearing the earlobe as it’s pulled out.
What types of earrings, materials, and styles should I avoid if I have sensitive ears?
Avoid earrings that cannot verify the exact composition of the metal findings. Cheap earrings may claim to be ‘nickel-free,’ but there is often no certainty that they actually are. It’s better to have a few quality pairs in 14K gold, platinum or some of the more exotic metals such as titanium or niobium. If you’re on a budget, look out for authenticated surgical steel findings that will not trigger an allergic reaction.
Insure your earrings with TH March
Since 1887, TH March has been offering the best in jewellery insurance for everything from wedding bands and engagement rings to earrings. Those little sparklers are one of the most common pieces of jewellery to get lost, damaged, or stolen. So, if you’ve invested in gold studs or earrings made from the best metals for sensitive ears, such as platinum or titanium, it’s essential to insure them to cover the cost of replacing or repairing them if the worst happens. You can find out more about cover for your earrings by reading our jewellery insurance page, or click our ‘Get A Quote’ button for a no-obligation and free quote right now.