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Oct 16, 2024

Best earrings for sensitive ears, according to experts

Sparkly studs, gold hoops and drop earrings are all effortlessly chic. Red, irritated earlobes? Not as much. If you’re someone with sensitive skin, it’s best to not leave it up to chance when shopping

Sparkly studs, gold hoops and drop earrings are all effortlessly chic. Red, irritated earlobes? Not as much. If you’re someone with sensitive skin, it’s best to not leave it up to chance when shopping for jewelry. Choosing the wrong pair can result in itchy inflammation or (eek!) a painful infection. The goal should be to make a statement with your earrings — not your swollen ears.

We tapped skin care and jewelry experts to learn what exactly causes these allergic reactions, how to avoid them and what materials and styles to look for in your next pair. We also scoured the internet for safe, stylish and affordable ear candy that's perfect for even the most sensitive ears.

What causes irritation from earrings? | What to look for and avoid | Expert-approved earrings for sensitive ears | More earrings for sensitive skin to shop | How we chose | Meet the experts

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick explains that earlobe irritation is most often a result of allergic or contact dermatitis. “This can be related to an allergy to a specific material in the earring itself or an irritation from the earring rubbing against the skin,” she says.

While neither are ideal, Garshick notes that there’s a difference between an allergic reaction and an infection. “In general, an infection is more likely to be painful while an allergy is more likely to itch.”

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner adds that, in the case of an infection, the skin usually “feels warm and tender, and may have pus developing at the surface,” which isn’t as common with contact dermatitis.

When in doubt, consult a dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan.

So what’s the culprit of your irritated ears? Dr. Anna Chacon, a dermatologist based in South Florida, tells Shop TODAY nickel is the metal people are most commonly allergic to. “Prolonged exposure can raise the likelihood of allergy development at any age,” she says.

Consider this a great excuse to go jewelry shopping — and make sure to be extra discerning. Chacon suggests looking for earrings that are .925 sterling silver or at least 14-karat gold.

Ally Mataj, co-founder of Bonheur Jewelry, knows how critical it is to wear earrings made from gentle, hypoallergenic materials. Her top picks include surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium and platinum.

Garshick echoes these choices, but warns that “some gold-plated or silver-plated earrings may still contain nickel, so it’s always important to understand the full composition of the earring.”

And for someone who’s prone to eczema or allergies, the style of your earrings can matter just as much as the materials. Jackie Burke, founder of Tini Lux, recommends a pair of minimal studs that you can leave in 24/7. “This is really important because taking earrings in and out can often cause even more irritation for someone with sensitive ears.”

Mataj also suggests studs or "thin or hollow hoops to reduce the amount of metal that comes into direct contact with your skin.”

Metal: Stainless steel | Back: Butterfly back | Hypoallergenic? Yes

One of the most affordable hypoallergenic earrings on the market, this stainless steel option is backed by dermatologists and customers alike. Garshick loves that they come with double-notched backs, keeping them secure in your ears.

Metal: 14k gold or silver with internal titanium | Back: Flatback | Hypoallergenic? Yes

According to the brand, flatbacks are ideal for sensitive skin because they won’t dig in to the skin or get snagged on anything. They’re also made with titanium, one of Mataj’s approved materials.

This 2-for-1 stud is reversible, so you choose whether you want the moon or the star to peek out on your “earscape.”

Metal: Titanium | Back: Flatback | Hypoallergenic? Yes

Designed specifically for those with sensitive skin and metal allergies, it’s no wonder Tini Lux made it onto of our list. Garshick specifically called out these opal studs as a favorite. Since the brand says everything they offer is nickel-free, these simple gold studs are another great option to consider.

Editor’s note: Although our expert Jackie Burke is the founder of Tini Lux, the decision to include these earrings in our roundup is because they were independently recommended by our dermatologist source.

Metal: Sterling silver, gold vermeil | Back: Butterfly backs | Hypoallergenic? No

Garshick confirms that these sleek dome hoops are nickel-free and made with 18-karat gold vermeil. Shoppers refer to them as “lightweight,” “versatile” and “the perfect everyday earrings.”

Metal: 14K plated | Back: Hinge closure; traditional earring backs | Hypoallergenic? Yes

Associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky has a metal allergy that restricts her from wearing certain jewelry, which is why she sought out to find pairs that are compatible with her and her sensitive skin.

This six-pack from Amazon resolves those woes on a budget, and Witonsky says that they're "extremely lightweight," making them comfortable to wear on an everyday basis.

Metal: 14K plated; gold vermeil | Back: Hinge closure | Hypoallergenic? Yes

Writer Emma Stessman has yet to take off these earrings (with the exception of trying out other pairs to compare). She says they're "in near perfect condition," despite having worn them for over a year. They've withstood showers, trips to the gym and more.

Metal: 14k gold | Back: Butterfly back | Hypoallergenic? Yes

If good times are only had when listening to the Alan Jackson song of the same title, bring these trusted earrings along for the ride. I (Sierra) recently bought these for a trip to Nashville and earned so many compliments on them.

They're dainty, don't tarnish and are the perfect size for second or upper lobe piercings.

Metal: 14k gold | Back: Hinge closure | Hypoallergenic? Yes

When Stessman finds a staple accessory, it's usually hard to convince her to swap it out. But these simple, yet stylish huggie earrings (that are also hypoallergenic), had her ditching her old earrings for these new ones.

Not only are they comfortable to wear 24/7, but they're "effortless," she says, claiming their versatility helps them match any outfit you're wearing.

Metal: 18k gold plated over brass | Back: Butterfly back | Hypoallergenic? No

These dainty diamond studs are a luxury staple, nickel-free and yet don’t don’t break the bank. One reviewer said, “The earrings are elegant and really sparkle…the size of the diamonds are just right for any occasion!”

Metal: 18k gold | Back: Hinge closure | Hypoallergenic? Yes

When you don’t want to sacrifice style for safety, these 18-karat huggies are an excellent (and glamorous!) choice. According to the brand, all of their pieces are nickel-, lead-, cadmium- and phthalates-free.

Metal: 14k gold over brass | Back: Ear wire closure | Hypoallergenic? No

Whether you found Kendra Scott on your own, or was introduced to them, it's no secret that the jewelry brand has become a household name.

Associate editor Allie Wise says she "immediately fell in love" when she was gifted this pair. "They are comfortable, stylish and most importantly, don’t irritate your ears."

Metal: .925 Sterling Silver and 14k Gold Vermeil | Back: Hinge closure | Hypoallergenic? Yes

Production coordinator Camryn Privette loves these huggie earrings for her everyday earring stack. "I've had these in for a few weeks straight now and they don't irritate my ears at all. I love how they go with practically any outfit and can be dressed up or down."

Metal: 14k gold plating over recycled bronze | Back: Hinge closure | Hypoallergenic? No

To protect herself from bag energy, this pair has been a new favorite of Privette's. "I've recently become obsessed with anything evil eye so when I saw these, it was a no-brainer to snatch them up. They're surprisingly so lightweight and my ears showed no signs of annoyance after wearing them for 12+ hours."

Metal: Gold-plated sterling silver | Back: Open back | Hypoallergenic? No

Privette also loves the look of these "understated but chic" earrings for her sensitive ears, noting that this pair has given her "no trouble" when leaving them in for a few months.

Metal: Titanium | Back: Flat backs | Hypoallergenic? No

Associate editor Kamari Stewart not only likes this pair because they're "light, comfy and cute," but because the flat backs are "life changing."

"The brand calls them nap earrings and, as a nap aficionado, I can attest to their greatness," she says of this pair that she constantly earns compliments on. "I also am the worst about taking my earrings off at the end of the night so whenever I put studs in, they’re in there for long haul. I’ve had these in for a while and they still look great despite being submerged in water when I shower."

From recommendations, personal testimonies and in-person events (where some staffers quite literally got their ears pierced!), we're able to provide you with the 411 on the best earrings out there.