Is Stainless Steel Hypoallergenic (Find Your Detailed Answer Here)

There’s nothing so hurting than buying your costly jewel only to realize it’s causing you skin reactions.

The safest thing to do, though, is to find out whether the jewel you choose, even though its pricey is hypoallergenic.

Notice too that we have different styles and types of stainless steel jewels. Therefore, depending on the type, you won’t know for sure whether it’s hypoallergenic.

But

What does hypoallergenic mean?

If you often develop skin sensitivity from some jewels, you must know what a piece of hypoallergenic jewelry is.

Simply put, a hypoallergenic jewel means that the jewel doesn’t cause any skin allergies, or the allergic reaction is reduced to a bare minimum.

Note that the term hypoallergenic doesn’t always mean the same as nickel-free, even though some people want to use it interchangeably.

Sometimes the jeweler may say it’s hypoallergenic, but it still contains nickel. Remember, nickel is the primary cause of skin sensitivity.

Significant metals contain no elements that cause skin allergies, but not all of them are that good.  Here we find out whether the stainless steel is hypoallergenic.

So is stainless steel hypoallergenic?

You see, if you are going to buy high-quality stainless steel jewels, then you can be sure it’s going to be hypoallergenic. Such pieces are the ideal ones to use when you have sensitive skin.

Generally, you will find that stainless steel contains different elements and metals. They have steel, iron, and chromium, and they’ll also have a percentage of nickel.

A good brand will make sure the amount of steel they use is minimal. However, some brands use a lot of nickel, which means that you’re susceptible to allergies.

In most cases, if you are going to use surgical steel, you are safe from nickel. Don’t worry, though; you will know whether the stainless steel has a lot of nickel or less.

Notice that it has the grade that shows you the amount of nickel in the jewel. Check for the 316L, 430, and XC45 stainless steel as they only have 1% nickel.

Although you can use the 304 stainless steel, they contain up to 10% nickel. This is ideal for those who aren’t nickel sensitive, but if you are, then keep off even grade 304.

The price will also guide you to the right jewel. If you, therefore, choose the jewels that cost so low, it’s most likely unsafe. Always go for the high-quality stainless steel that will also cost you a little more.

Breakdown of the different types of stainless steel

Notice that you have different kinds of stainless steel; that’s why we will show you the safe and hypoallergenic ones. Since the stainless steel metals feature the use of other metals too, you can be sure it will be safe for you to understand the safest metal you can use.

304 stainless steel

This could be the most popular kind of stainless steel, but you will also find it being used in the kitchen. Such stainless steel, though, will contain about 10.5% nickel and carbon.

The best part is that it’s corrosion-resistant. But we encourage you not to use it if you have nickel sensitivity.

304L 

Another one of the most popular stainless steel metals is this alloy. Here you have it with more nickel but less carbon. It has about 12% nickel, and it’s therefore famous for its durability.

430

This is one of the very best choices ever as it contains less than 0.5% nickel, which makes it very safe for those who are nickel sensitive. This type of stainless steel meets the EU compliance regulations.

Surgical steel

You probably have heard of this type of stainless steel. This is the stainless steel with the perfect properties you need when using the metal for surgical reasons.

It’s not necessarily the better grade of stainless steel, but it’s a safer one for implants. It’s ideal for those times when you need to make body jewels.

316 and 316L

You have most likely heard of this, too, as it’s one of the common choices to use. This one often contains lesser carbon but also lesser nickel remembers. You will commonly find people using it in jewels.

Now you know that the above stainless steel types are great, but they will mostly contain nickel but in the lowest quantities; therefore, you make sure you can choose the one that’s safe to work with.

So, do all the stainless steel have a nickel?

Of course, they do have, as you have seen above. The difference is that the levels vary, but the nickel then reduces brittleness.

You will further improve the strength of the jewel. Also, it’s easy to work with, whether under a high or low temperature.

However, the secret is to go for the higher grade options, as indicated above. Choose the 316L, 430, XC45, or 304. Other than that, then you will have them being non-hypoallergenic.

Stainless steel allergies

Of course, if you used the wrong metals, you can expect to experience common allergy symptoms. You see, your skin will pick some of the jewel molecules and then send them to the lymph nodes.

Now your body has to react to the foreign invader, and that’s when your immune system starts to act on it.

You can expect to develop some itchy sensation, reddening, swelling, rash, blisters, and scaling.

These are going to be the very first reactions you notice. Notice though that the severeness will vary, and sometimes it can be too much for you to bear.

Stainless steel may sometimes also contain cobalt and chromate, which also causes reactions. Therefore, this is to say that if you are reactive, you should stay away from low-grade stainless steel.

Such symptoms you can expect to experience at least 12-48 hours after you wear them. Notice that it doesn’t have to be always at the part where you had contact with the metals.

It can be in a different part. Now that you know the symptoms, you should not be alarmed when it occurs unless, of course, it gets severe.

Stainless steel earrings allergy

Depending on the type of jewel you bought, you can expect the stainless steel earrings to be generally safe to use. I know how irritating the itchy sensation can be, and of course, we don’t want you to develop it.

You should, therefore, only choose the ones that feature the use of higher-grade options.

Such options will contain minimal to no nickel; thus, you don’t expect it to cause you any allergic reactions.

If you notice that you are reacting to wearing a stainless steel jewel, the chances are that you used the low-quality options.

If you experience allergy forms, then the chances are that you are reactive to the low levels of nickel in the stainless steel jewels.

The reason stainless steel jewel is hypoallergenic is that its nickel content is at the lowest level.

Besides, the metal never tarnishes as it contains no elements to cause tarnishing. You won’t further experience corrosion, and the elements in the stainless steel are further not going to cause any reaction to your skin anyway.

So then is it the best choice for your ears?

If you have sensitive ears, you will find it ideal to use stainless steel. It’s generally a safe metal to use; remember, you always have to know the stainless steel grade. This makes it easy to be safe too. Remember, you can always use surgical steel to be on the safe side.

How to prevent allergy

How sensitive are you? If you are super sensitive to nickel, then stainless steel is not for you.

However, if you experience mild reactions, you can use stainless steel. Only remember to choose the safer options.

Make sure you know the grade.

You can use stainless steel, but you also have to know the grade you are using. If you know you are the sensitive type, you can choose the higher grades silver or the surgical steel, not any other opinions.

You don’t want to trigger the reaction ever, and that’s why you should make sure you are safe.

Know what not to put next to your skin.

Sometimes you may think it’s the jewel when it’s not. So, knowing what exactly you tend to react to.

Maybe you may also be reacting to something else other than the stainless steel. This is why you should take your time to find out what causes your reaction to you.

Choose hypoallergenic jewels

If you are the sensitive type, you have no choice but to make sure you’re safe. We have several jewels that indicate the hypoallergenic feature, and others don’t. So it would help if you didn’t ever buy any jewel that you presume isn’t hypoallergenic.

Reasons why you should buy stainless steel jewels

It’s beautiful and affordable.

It looks so much like regular silver, but you will like it for being affordable. You don’t have to break your bank when buying jewels.

Notice that though you buy it cheaper, it doesn’t compromise the quality of the jewel.

This jewel is further affordable because you can subject it to different conditions, yet it will last long. Since it serves you longer, then it’s safe to use.

It’s hypoallergenic

We have covered this topic in length, and it’s the factual truth. You won’t have itchy sensations, flair-ups, and all the different adversities.

Here you have a safe metal to use that will never cause sensations unless you are susceptible.

It’s durable

Most jewel buyers are doing so because of its durability. Stainless steel is famous for being safe, which is why you need it.

You can use it under different conditions and remain safe. You will have it serve you for ages.

It won’t tarnish

Most metals like sterling silver will tarnish and thus spoil the look. When you are buying the stainless steel jewel, you don’t have to deal with this. It won’t rust either as long as you bought the medical-grade choice.

It’s quite easy to maintain

You don’t have to think much about it because it’s effortless to maintain. You just make sure you wipe it gently and store it safely when you aren’t using it.

FAQs

Are the hypoallergenic jewels costly?

No, they aren’t; in fact, you will always get the one that matches your price range. The hypoallergenic feature never influences the price, remember. It just means it’s much safer.

Is it the best idea to use the hypoallergenic term as a guide for the safe jewel?

Most of the people out here have been using terminologies for marketing and this; therefore, even the hypoallergenic jewel can cause skin reactions. It’s better to use other guides like you don’t choose any metals that contain nickel.

The term hypoallergenic is a marketing term that often does not even refer to the metal’s characteristics.

This is why you need to check other features like the nickel presence to be on the safe side.

Generally, choose to know the metals that are safe to wear to be safe. Go for those that are known to cause no reactions as opposed to hypoallergenic ones.

They include the following

• 8K white, yellow, and rose gold
• Platinum
• Titanium
• Surgical stainless steel
• Argentum silver

Does hypoallergenic steel change my skin green?

When you wear the jewel, the turning of your skin green has nothing to do with the jewel being hypoallergenic.

If you use a jewel that will quickly tarnish, it will cause the skin to turn green. Hypoallergenic jewelry is the one that doesn’t cause any skin reaction, not tarnishing ones.

Where should I buy the hypoallergenic stainless steel jewels?

There are several shops you can get such jewels, but my all-time favorite is Amazon. You will have a wide range of options to choose from.

Also, you can read the reviews to guide you just before you make the decision. The prices though varying, are not in a ridiculously high range.

Finally, to answer you.

Yes, the stainless steel is hypoallergenic and safe to use with different jewels but make sure you choose the medical-grade option.

Read more about Stainless Steel Jewelry.

How To Clean Stainless Steel Jewelry
Surgical Steel Vs Stainless Steel Earrings
Stainless Steel Jewelry Care
Stainless Steel Jewelry FAQ
Stainless Steel Jewelry Pros And Cons
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