There's nothing worse than choosing a pair of earrings, only to discover that they make you ears sore and red. Sometimes allergies will even form over time, and as you get older, your ears react to different metals. If you notice any discomfort when wearing certain jewellery, it's best to opt for hypoallergenic earrings instead.
Hypoallergenic earrings are those that have been made from hypoallergenic materials, such as titanium, stainless steel or nickel-free silver. These metals reduce or prevent an allergic reaction from occurring. In this article, we share the 10 best hypoallergenic earrings in the UK, with tips on how to choose!
Quick List - Top Hypoallergenic Earrings
Shuxin
Add a Touch of Sparkle With Platinum Plated Hoop Earrings
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There are so many different types of earrings available, in so many different materials, it can feel overwhelming choosing a pair that's right for your ears and won't cause any irritation. If you're wondering where to begin, here are our recommendations for hypoallergenic materials.
Remember that hypoallergenic metals do not totally eliminate potential allergic reactions, even though they do greatly reduce the risk. You should still do a skin test if you are known to suffer from serious allergic reactions, before you commit to ear piercing. Approach your doctor or dermatologist for more information on allergy testing for jewellery.
As previously mentioned, nickel in jewellery generally causes the most allergic reactions. However, there are other materials to also look out for such as cobalt and chromates. When buying hypoallergenic earrings, look for those made from pure metal, rather than plated jewellery to avoid accidental exposure to potential irritants.
Gold and silver plated jewellery is extremely common, but over time the plating will wear off exposing your ears to the base metal underneath, which may cause an extreme reaction. Plating can often be reapplied, so if you do own plated jewellery, make sure to have it re-plated regularly.
Once you have decided on which material will suit your ears best, it's time for the fun part! Try to think about the occasion when choosing a pair of earrings. Stud earrings are practical and best suited to everyday wear. They rarely get in the way and can be worn during sports such as swimming or at the gym. Dangly earrings are more eye catching, but are best suited to evening and occasion wear to avoid them getting caught.
Hoop earrings are a good in-between if you find stud earrings a little boring, but want something that won't get in the way. Hoops offer a bit of fun and can be styled for all occasions. Opt for smaller, simple styles for workwear, or go for full out, enormous hoops to make a real statement.
It is good to consider the weight of the earrings too, as very heavy earrings can become uncomfortable over the course of the day. In particular, it's advised that children wear lightweight earrings as they can also pull and stretch your earlobes, which can lead to your lobes changing shape.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Milacolato 4 Pairs Hypoallergenic Earrings Set|Pack of 4 | ![]() | Pack of Four Surgical Steel Stud Earrings | |
2 | hengkaixuan Hinged Segment Ring Hoop Earrings | ![]() | Titanium Hoops for Multiple Piercings | |
3 | Shuxin 925 Sterling Silver Huggie Hinged Earrings | ![]() | Add a Touch of Sparkle With Platinum Plated Hoop Earrings | |
4 | IBB 18ct Gold Knot Earrings | ![]() | Timeless 18ct Gold Knot Earrings From an Ethical Brand | |
5 | The Jewellery Store London Hoop Earrings With Bolt Charms | ![]() | Fashionable Drop Earrings in Nickel-Free Silver | |
6 | E. W. Adams 8ct White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Drop Earrings | ![]() | Luxurious 18ct White Gold Earrings for Very Special Occasions | |
7 | Generic Plastic Earrings for Sensitive Ears|Pack of 12 | ![]() | 12-Pack of Surgical Plastic Studs for Sensitive Ears | |
8 | WATACHE Long Tassel Crystal Pearl Earrings | ![]() | Extra Long Dangly Earrings With Pearls and Cubic Zirconia | |
9 | Silvora Store Hoop Earrings | ![]() | Affordable Gold Hoops That Won’t Hurt Your Ears | |
10 | MILACOLATO Surgical Steel Hoops|Pack of 6 | ![]() | Mix and Match Surgical Steel Hoop Earrings |
With this pack, you get not two, not three, but four pairs of hypoallergenic stud earrings for a bargain price! Choose from stars or moons, some set with AAAAA+ cubic zirconia, or mix and match for a creative twist. These earrings are lovely and lightweight, so will suit children and adults alike.
The perfect gift for friends and family, the stainless steel is nickel free and extremely durable. This meant that the metal will not rust or oxidise over time, even if you're wearing the studs while swimming or in the shower.
Whilst some earrings are only really suited for ear lobes, these fantastic hoops can fit all ear piercings, including cartilage and the helix. They're even comfortable enough for lip and nose piercings! With an almost invisible seam, the hoops create a streamlined look which is perfect for office wear.
Made from allergen-free titanium, without nickel or cadmium, they're not only hard wearing, but very lightweight. These earrings are the perfect everyday pair, suitable to wear while you sleep as they won't become uncomfortable or catch in your hair.
Huggies are another comfortable style to wear. They're hoop earrings with a hinge that you can easily loop through your piercing and snap shut. Once on, they're comfortable enough for everyday wear and can also be slept in. This pair have an added touch of sparkle that would look perfect on a night out, particularly if you're not a fan of big, dangly earrings.
These earrings are made from nickel-free 925 sterling silver and have been coated with platinum. Even though the platinum plating isn't necessary for allergy protection, it works to add an even more impressive shine to these already glamorous hoops.
Knot earrings are widely recognised as a versatile, timeless choice, and these stud earrings from IBB are no exception! Made from 18ct yellow gold, they should have a high enough gold content so as to not cause a reaction.
We love IBB as they're a family run company and an eco-conscious brand that use responsibly sourced metals and ethical work practices in the manufacture of their jewellery. Despite all this, they're surprisingly affordable for a pair of gold earrings.
Lightening bolts are a must have motif at the moment! Made from nickel-free sterling silver, these earrings will allow you to be on trend, without having to worry about the itchy, uncomfortable ears often caused by high street fashion jewellery.
The hoop style fittings are very comfortable to wear, while the dangly lightening bolts add an extra dimension to the design. Just be aware that, although they're unlikely to cause a reaction, we would recommend these for teens and adults due to small parts.
These absolutely stunning 18ct white gold drop earrings are perfect for very special occasions. The design features a stunning tear drop shaped Aquamarine (which is the birthstone for March) alongside 20 brilliant cut diamonds, each with a clarity of SI2.
These earrings have a high enough percentage of gold to avoid reactions, but do be careful if you have sensitive ears. White gold is also often rhodium plated for extra shine, which may start to appear dull over time. Luckily, a good jewellers can always re-plate them for you!
These earrings are made from medical grade plastic, meaning there should be no worry of an allergic reaction. Ideal for young children, particularly those new to pierced ears, they're inexpensive enough that it won't matter too much if one or two are lost along the way.
Each stud is adorned with a pretty Cubic Zirconia in a variety of colours to match every birthstone. Despite being plastic, they're very durable. However, they are not the most eco-friendly option either.
Perfect for a night out, these dangly earrings are adorned with sparkly CZs for that real wow factor. We especially like that the dangly chains can be removed to reveal pearl studs, giving you two pairs of earrings for the price of one!
Made from nickel-free sterling silver, and plated with 14K silver, the drops have an extra-sparkly sheen. This makes them ideal for adults and teenagers, but perhaps a bit too long for children. Sadly, these can catch in your hair, so will likely not be suitable for everyday wear.
The problem with hypoallergenic gold earrings is that they are usually very expensive. Thankfully, with these hoop earrings you can get the same look for less as they're plated with 18ct gold.
The only downside is that the plating will wear off over time, so you do need to be careful if you plan to wear them often. Not wearing plated jewellery when swimming or in the shower will help it last longer, and you can always get them re-plated if needed. Still, these make a great, affordable option for those that prefer gold coloured jewellery.
Great value for money, this pack of six earrings feature a selection of surgical steel hoops, each with an individual design that are perfect for mixing and matching. These work especially well for those with multiple piercings as you can stack them up for a unique look. Plus, they're suitable to nose piercings too!
Whilst these look super cool, some customers felt that they weren't the most comfortable to wear. Nevertheless, the pretty hoops are definitely worth purchasing, even if just for occasional wear.
Written and researched by Sarah Jarman
No. 1: Milacolato|4 Pairs Hypoallergenic Earrings Set|Pack of 4
No. 2: hengkaixuan|Hinged Segment Ring Hoop Earrings
No. 3: Shuxin|925 Sterling Silver Huggie Hinged Earrings
No. 4: IBB|18ct Gold Knot Earrings
No. 5: The Jewellery Store London|Hoop Earrings With Bolt Charms
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