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Your Guide to Hypoallergenic Earrings for Sensitive Ears

Last Updated: June 27, 2021

Accessories can make or break an outfit. They are another way to express your creativity through clothing and style. However, this can be a struggle when your skin gets in the way of that cute piece of jewelry you want to take home and you have to find earrings for sensitive ears.

When it comes to earrings, this can be an issue due to the fact that the skin on your ears is incredibly thin and can be very sensitive when it comes into contact with different materials. If you already struggle with sensitive skin on your face and body, then redness and itchiness from earrings may be symptoms you are no stranger to.

While it may seem frustrating to need special jewelry, the options are out there and all it takes is a little looking around to find a pair of earrings that will keep you looking cute and feeling comfortable.

Selecting Earrings for Sensitive Ears

Before looking into any products, it is important to understand why your ears become sensitive to jewelry. Oftentimes, the most common culprit is the metals within the jewelry. 

One of the most common misconceptions is that if you have sensitive ears you must splurge and buy real diamonds or gold because it is pure and you won’t have any allergies. The truth is, you can react to any metal if your body happens to be sensitive to it. 

Because of this, it is important to understand your own sensitivities and if possible get an allergy test by a professional to be sure and steer clear of anything that will cause you discomfort.

If an allergy test isn’t an option, here are a few steps you can take to make sure you can rock your accessories without worry.

Steer Clear of Nickel

Nickel is one of the most common metals found in earrings and also happens to be one of the most common irritants to many individuals’ skin. Jewelry makers tend to use this metal because it is one of the stronger options and will help create a piece that lasts longer for the customer. 

However, because of this it also tends to be harsher on your skin. If you find that your ears are often left itchy or inflamed from earrings, it may be best to keep earrings containing nickels out of your view and focus on jewelry without that specific metal.

One of the easiest ways to find jewelry that does not contain nickel is to search up “hypoallergenic earrings” when shopping. Earrings that do not contain nickel are considered hypoallergenic and will be more gentle on your skin.

Ditch the Gold

While many are believers that if you buy high quality gold earrings they will be non-allergenic, the truth is that all gold earrings contain some trace amounts of brass or nickel. Pure 24k gold does not, but is not able to be used in jewelry.

If you are wanting some gold statement pieces, buy titanium. They will look like the real thing but not irritate your skin.

That said, if you really want gold, you can purchase high-quality gold pieces that are less irritating. If you go for 14k purity and higher, it is less likely to have large amounts of metals mixed in (and in turn, less likely to cause a reaction). 

When buying these, look for a brand with a good return policy in case the earrings cause you irritation. If you’re shopping for gold-plated jewelry, look for options that have sterling silver or another ear-friendly metal underneath. 

Wear Titanium Instead

Titanium, specifically medical grade titanium, is a metal that is often used in hospitals due to its hypoallergenic nature and is approved by the FDA for use within the body as well. Due to this, these earrings will be less likely to create issues on your skin.

You can find titanium earrings in gold or silver and they can be used as replacements for other metals that may be more problematic. These earrings contain no nickel or brass and will keep your skin feeling comfortable.

Other Friendly Metals

Aside from Titanium, there are other metals that are much less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Here are some common picks to try out with your ears:

  • Copper
  • Stainless steel
  • Platinum

Opt Towards Plastic

Although some may think of plastic jewelry as something for kids, there are a lot of options for earrings that you would never even know were plastic. Medical grade plastic contains no metal and therefore, will not be able to hold any of the trace metals that may cause issues with your ears.

These are an especially great option for children as they can often be more comfortable than metal earrings. While you may be worried that people will be able to tell, medical grade plastic earrings often look strikingly similar to those made with metals.

Dealing with sensitive skin is never fun. It can be frustrating to feel as though your options are limited when it comes to dressing and accessorising, especially when fashion may be one of your main avenues of expression.

There are many more options than one may think for skin sensitivities, earrings included. With a little searching, you will be able to find the perfect pair of studs or hoops that will accentuate your outfit and keep you feeling fashionable.

Best Hypoallergenic Earrings For Sensitive Ears


Mejuri Sterling Silver Sculptural Hoops

Mejuri is a high-quality jewelry brand that aims to provide luxury jewelry for more affordable prices than their competitors! 

While many of their other pieces use gold, they have a sterling silver collection that’s well worth checking out. Also, their beautiful gold vermeil collection uses a thick 18k gold plating that is much less likely to have irritating metals (plus, with a great return policy, they’re worth giving a shot).

Surgical Stainless Steel Hoops

Surgical-grade stainless steel is a metal you can’t go wrong with when shopping for earrings for senstive ears.

This set of three small hoops comes with a pair of black, gold, and silver hoops. 

Tini Lux Hypoallergenic Earrings

Tini Lux is a jewelry brand dedicated to creating earrings that don’t irritate even the most sensitive of ears. 

Stud Earrings Set

Amazon also has a wide selection of earrings for sensitive ears for great prices!

This set provides a few different sizes of cubic zirconia stud, giving you a classic look that pairs well with every outfit.  

Simply Whispers Hypoallergenic Earrings

Another jewelry brand dedicated to creating non-irriating earrings, Simply Whispers features a variety of high-quality styles for great prices (we love the chunky square huggie hoops).

Plus, they allow returns within 60 days in case they don’t work out.