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So you’ve finally decided to get that nose piercing you’ve been pining for — now it’s time to accessorize! But when it comes to choosing a nose ring, it’s not just about style, it’s about quality, especially if you have sensitive skin or an allergy to certain kinds of metal. It all comes down to the material of the jewelry, according to the dermatologists Bustle interviewed. The best hypoallergenic nose rings for sensitive skin are made from titanium, surgical stainless steel, or 14-karat gold, because these materials help decrease the risk of developing allergic reactions, irritations, and other common side effects.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon tells Bustle, “the best material that can be used for piercings and individuals with sensitive skin is titanium.” For initial piercings, most professionals use Grade 23 titanium jewelry, because it doesn’t contain nickel (a common allergy-causing metal), making it a great hypoallergenic option. And while Grade 23 titanium isn’t always solid titanium, it is considered the industry standard for titanium body jewelry.
Clinical dermatologist Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, who also spoke to Bustle for this article, adds that surgical stainless steel is another hypoallergenic option that’s safe for most people with sensitive skin, because it’s durable, non-porous, and also medical-grade. While 316L surgical stainless steel is low-allergy, it does contain small traces of nickel, so it’s best that people with known nickel allergies avoid this option.
Gold is another acceptable option, according to Dr. Factor, though not all gold is created equal. “It can be yellow, white, or rose gold — just be sure that it’s solid as opposed to gold-plated or gold-filled. Not only do these contain alloys, including nickel, but the plating can also peel off over time,” says Dr. Factor. Gold jewelry will likely be more expensive than titanium or surgical stainless steel, but it will last the longest.
Another important factor to consider when shopping for nose rings is the gauge, which refers to the thickness of the jewelry. Too thin, and you risk losing your jewelry; too thick, and you could be setting yourself up for irritation. Before you buy, consult with a piercer who can help you determine which size gauge your piercing can tolerate. According to Dr. Factor, professionals typically use 14 or 16 gauge jewelry for the initial piercing.
Other factors to consider are stud length and hoop diameter, as well as how the shape of a stud is inserted into the piercing. These all come down to personal preferences, and what will be most comfortable for you.
Properly caring for your nose piercing (and thereby preventing irritation or infection) is especially important if you have sensitive skin. When it comes to cleaning your piercing, Dr. Chacon says, “It's best to clean the piercing with the saline solution, fragrance-free antimicrobial soap, or a bath once or twice a day. It's important to rinse the soap from the piercing. You can gently dry the piercing with clean disposable paper towels or tissue. You can avoid drying with cloth since it may carry germs or catch on jewelry.”
Above all, it’s important to let your piercing heal completely before swapping out jewelry. “Unless you have a problem with the jewelry, leave it in for the entire healing period,” Dr. Factor suggests. “If you need to change it for some reason during the healing period, a piercer should perform the jewelry change.”
From blingy studs to dainty hoops, scroll on to shop the 10 best hypoallergenic piercings for sensitive skin.
One of the hardest parts of finding the perfect nose ring is determining the right gauge and diameter size, but with this Grade 23 titanium nose ring that comes in over 40 size combinations, you’ll be sure to find the one that fits you just right. A hinged closure that snaps open and closed means you can easily get it on and off, and the simple style can work as either a nostril or a septum ring (or both!).
Helpful review: “I've purchased a good amount of nostril hoops on Amazon and from piercing shops and got nothing out of it except for painful allergic reactions. My skin is very sensitive [...] So far I’ve had it in my nostril piercing for four days and there are no signs of swelling which tells me it’s legitimate titanium. The clicker mechanism is super easy to use and I don’t have to worry about the jewelry losing its circular shape since it requires no twisting whatsoever. I highly recommend this product for anyone with sensitive skin!”
This simple nose ring is similar to the titanium ring above, but this version is made from 316L surgical stainless steel. The hinged design makes inserting it into your piercing easy — just open the clasp, slide through, and click closed. Choose from six colors, from silver to rainbow.
Helpful review: “I have been wearing this 24/7 for the last several months and it has been one of the best nose rings I've ever had. It is so comfortable I forget it's there, it doesn't get caught on anything or fall out. It hasn't tarnished or caused any issues with my sensitive skin.”
These dainty, surgical stainless steel nose studs that are both nickel- and lead-free are a great option if you’re looking for subtle sparkle — and with over 10,000 five-star ratings, they’re a favorite among Amazon shoppers. These bone-shaped studs can be bent with your fingers or tweezers so that you can customize the fit. Meanwhile, the ball at the end is small enough to comfortably fit through your piercing, while still being large enough to keep it in place. This 40-piece set comes in a convenient case to keep your jewelry safe and organized. Plus, you can pick from two crystal sizes (1.5. or 2 millimeters) and colors (clear or multi-colored).
Helpful review: “Guys! These are the BEST nose rings! I have VERY sensitive skin, which makes these (surgical steel) great since they are hypoallergenic! I bought a package of them in 2014!!!! And JUST now buying replenishing my stock!”
For those who prefer gold jewelry, this solid 14-karat gold stud with three cubic zirconia (CZ) stones in a trefoil arrangement is the perfect addition to your collection. The high-polished gold is nickel- and lead-free, and the bone-shaped stud has a perfectly sized round end that makes for easy insertion and ensures your stud will stay put. Take your pick from yellow, white, or rose gold.
Helpful review: “I’ve been wearing the same nose ring for 2 years. It has not faded or changed colors. [...] It has not irritated my nose, like fake jewelry does. I plan on ordering another one, just in case I lose this one.”
These 100%, Grade 23 titanium horseshoe rings are ideal for septum piercings and come in a variety of diameters. They even offer a multipack that comes with two of each size so you can choose which suits you best. To put these on, simply unscrew one of the balls, insert through the piercing, and screw the ball back on.
Helpful review: “I love their nose rings, i’ve ordered them multiple times. I use it for my septum piercing and i have very sensitive skin and these don’t bother it. Buy them!”
This 316L surgical stainless steel nose hoop is encrusted with 11 cubic zirconia stones for a hint of sparkle, and it’s corrosion-resistant for long-lasting shine. The hinge closure easily snaps open and closed, and won’t bend no matter how many times you switch it out. It comes in plenty of gauge and diameter sizes, and the brand offers a helpful size guide to make sure you find the right fit for you. Plus over 3,600 customers gave it a five-star rating!
Helpful review: “I tend to have very sensitive skin and was hesitant to order these over sterling silver. I've had these in for about 6 weeks now and no issues at all! No irritation, no gems have fall out and the hoops have not come undone/ope [...] I would highly recommend these!”
Looking to add a pop of color to your piercing? Available in a pack of 12, these L-shaped 316L surgical stainless steel studs come in four pretty colors — blue, pink, white, or iridescent — as well as different-shaped cubic zirconia studs. You can also choose from bone and corkscrew-shaped styles, depending on your preference.
Helpful review: “I'm typically very sensitive to new nose rings but these have been in for a month and haven't caused any issues. They're longer than the ones I normally have but I appreciate that because I can move it around when washing my face and it isn't so tight that it is leaving a mark. They come with so many that you can change your ring for each mood. Love it!”
You can’t go wrong with this L-shaped Grade 23 titanium stud with a classic cubic zirconia stone. Because this stud has an embedded stone rather than one held by a prong, it will lay flatter against your nose. And if you want a twist on this timeless style, you can choose from eight different stone colors, including blue, red, pink, and purple.
Helpful review: “I started noticing a huge bump inside my nose, which was also very painful. [...] Well I purchased the one above, put it in so very easily, and this am when I woke up, NO MORE BUMP...GONE!!! I am so happy and love this one. Will get more. The shape is also great, it feels more secure and sits more snug to my nose!!!”
This lead-free, 14 karat gold nose ring is not only classic, it’s also super easy put on thanks to its clasp-free design. To insert, open the ring ever so slightly, slip through your piercing, and pinch it closed to make sure it securely stays in place.
Helpful review: “I started noticing a huge bump inside my nose, which was also very painful. [...] Well I purchased the one above, put it in so very easily, and this am when I woke up, NO MORE BUMP...GONE!!! I am so happy and love this one. Will get more. The shape is also great, it feels more secure and sits more snug to my nose!!!”
Featuring a bone-shape style with a small round bulb to keep it in place, this nose stud is made from 100% solid 14-karat yellow gold (it’s also available in white and rose gold). The brand also offers two-packs, which are great if you’re prone to misplacing your things (happens to the best of us!). Choose from three stone sizes — 1.5, 2, or 3 millimeters — and packs of either one or two pieces.
Helpful review: “This is just my size, I like the smaller stone and it is well made. I think the different nose stud I was using that was similar to this, did not agree with my skin. After 3 months of it being irritated I got this and a few days after I put this new one in it healed completely. I think mostly because of it being made with white gold and my skin being sensitive to the other. Great for the money.”
Dr. Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, clinical dermatologist