If your ears get itchy, red or sore a few hours after putting on a new pair of earrings, you're not alone. For many people, the problem isn't earrings in general – it's what they're made of. Here's what to look for when you have sensitive ears.
Why do some earrings irritate my ears?
The most common cause is a reaction to nickel, a metal often used in cheaper fashion jewellery and in some plated pieces. Earrings sit against pierced skin for hours at a time, which is why ears tend to react more than wrists or fingers. Sweat, water and soap can make irritation worse with low-quality metals.
Which metals are kinder to sensitive ears?
- Stainless steel: durable, waterproof and widely chosen by people who react to cheap fashion jewellery. It doesn't tarnish or leave a green mark.
- Titanium: very lightweight and often used for new piercings.
- Solid gold (14K and above): usually well tolerated, but much more expensive.
- Metals to be wary of: unknown "mixed metal", brass or copper-based pieces, which are more likely to irritate and can discolour skin.
All C'Bella earrings are made from hypoallergenic stainless steel with 18K gold plating or a polished silver tone, so they're designed to be gentle on sensitive ears.
Choose the right style
Comfort matters as much as material, especially if you want to sleep in your earrings.
- Studs are the easiest to wear day and night – see our stud earrings.
- Huggie hoops sit close to the lobe and don't catch on pillows or hair – see our hoop earrings.
- Drop and statement earrings are heavier, so they're best saved for daytime and evenings out – see drop earrings.
- Cartilage and helix piercings need small, smooth pieces – see our piercings.
Simple care tips for sensitive ears
- Clean your earrings regularly with mild soap and water, then dry them well.
- Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach and chlorine cleaners on your jewellery.
- Give your ears a break if they feel sore, and don't force an earring through a piercing that has partly closed.
When to see a professional
If your skin stays red, swollen or painful, or you have a known severe metal allergy, speak to a pharmacist or your GP before trying new earrings. A patch test can confirm exactly which metals you react to.
Shop earrings for sensitive ears
Browse all our waterproof, hypoallergenic earrings. Every pair is covered by our 1-Year Colour Warranty. For hygiene reasons, earrings can't be returned once the seal is opened, unless faulty.