Say goodbye to painful, red lobes with stylish earrings for sensitive ears.
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The 6 Best Earrings for Sensitive Ears, According to a Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist
Updated on Sep. 05, 2024
Many of us have been there: You spent the day shopping for the best accessories to update your style, and found the cutest pair of earrings from one of the best jewelry brands. But then you tried them on at home, and your earlobes quickly got red and sore. Whether that’s always been the case or it’s a recent change, it’s almost certain that the metal in your earrings is to blame.
Having sensitive ears can make it hard to shop for affordable jewelry, since it’s often made with mixed metals that can cause allergic reactions. While you may have no trouble when it comes to buying most types of jewelry, including elegant necklaces for women or cocktail rings, finding earrings for sensitive ears can be tricky.
Luckily, you can find wallet-friendly, quality earrings to fill your jewelry organizer that won’t cause discomfort. From jewelry sales to finding fashionable jewelry on Amazon, there’s a pair of earrings out there for every sensitivity, style and budget.
We asked Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist on New York City’s Upper East Side, to break down the exact causes of sensitive ears, why they can be problematic and how to choose earrings that won’t cause pain and irritation. Read on to get the scoop, and also find some of the best earrings for sensitive ears that you can wear comfortably.
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Best overall
Kindhearted CZ Studs
Looking for a pair of earrings that will truly win over your heart? You’ve found them! These delicate earrings can be worn alone or stacked. They’re hypoallergenic and affordable, and will quickly become one of your go-to pairs for everyday wear. Made with 14-karat gold on sterling silver, these earrings don’t contain any nickel, brass or zinc.
But are they really hypoallergenic? You bet. We’ve been wearing these earrings almost daily for over a year, and have never once had a bad reaction. Rowan also offers piercing services at their studios across the country. All piercing is done by licensed nurses with pre-sterilized 14-karat gold, stainless steel or titanium earrings.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and affordable
- Versatile style for everyday wear
- Can be worn stacked or by themselves
Cons
- Some people may be sensitive to vermeil
On Sale
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Best budget
FIBO Steel Stainless Steel Stud Set
Jewelry on Amazon can be hit or miss, but this set that comes in silver, gold, rose gold and black is earning high marks. Not only do buyers claim that these earrings safely grace sensitive ears, but they swear that these studs won’t turn your ears green. With nine pairs to choose from, you’ll have a new pair for each day of the week (and then some!).
“I have really sensitive ears and can’t keep cheaply made earrings in my ears for too long,” writes Amazon buyer, Amber. “These are cute and affordable earrings that people with sensitive ears should be able to handle, as my ears did not react badly to these.”
Pros
- Nine pairs of studs in each set
- Includes cool designs, like stars and moons
- Available in silver, gold, rose gold and black
Cons
- Smaller than some were expecting
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Best hoops
Tini Lux Date Night Hoops
Tini Lux was founded to meet the needs of people with sensitive ears. All of the brand’s earrings are made with pure, medical-grade titanium as their base metal. We love these crystal hoops, which are made with biocompatible titanium that’s not only safe for sensitive ears, but also water- and tarnish-resistant, so you can wear them 24/7. And since they’re so versatile, these hoops make a beautiful gift for a jewelry lover.
Pros
- Available in gold or silver with crystals
- Made from biocompatible titanium
- Water-resistant and won’t tarnish
Cons
- Only available in one size
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Best for everyday wear
Quince 14K Gold Beaded Hoops
Did you know that Quince—makersof the famous $50 cashmere sweater—also makes affordable gold jewelry? Well, you do now. These casual beaded hoops are made of pure, 14-karat yellow gold for a timeless result. Not only that, but the brand offers a 365-day free return policy, and ensures that these earrings are ethically made, giving you even more peace of mind. Speaking of ethically made, here are the best sustainable and ethical jewelry brands you can shop this year.
Pros
- Simple beaded style
- Ethically made with pure 14-karat gold
- Available in yellow or white gold
Cons
- On the pricier side
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Best for cartilage
Mason Miru Cosmic Cartilage Hoop
Mason Miru jewelry is known for being nickel-free. This cartilage hoop is made with implant-grade titanium, and can be worn in your tragus, helix or earlobe, as well as in your cartilage. Note that this hoop is sold as a single earring, so be sure to add two to your cart if want a pair. Side note: This brand also has a fantastic collection of evil eye jewelry, including solid 14-karat gold and titanium earrings for sensitive ears.
Pros
- Can be worn in your cartilage, tragus, helix or earlobe
- Made with implant-grade titanium
- Offered in three different gauge sizes
Cons
- Not sold as a pair
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Most trendy
BaubleBar Disney 18K Gold Sterling Silver Safety Pin Earrings
All of BaubleBar’s jewelry is hypoallergenic and certified nickel-, lead-, cadmium- and phthalate-free. That makes us feel good about wearing these adorable Mickey Mouse safety pin earrings, which are 18-karat gold-plated sterling silver. In case you’re wondering whether or not they’re truly hypoallergenic, our tester wore these earrings every day for a week and had no reaction. While we’re on the subject, here’s even more trendy jewelry to check out.
Pros
- Disney style with safety pin design
- Hypoallergenic gold-plated sterling silver
- No earring backs to deal with
Cons
- Have a tendency to sell out
