What does Hypoallergenic actually mean?

The word 'hypoallergenic' is thrown around the earring making industry left, right and centre. This post explains why this term is being used incorrectly and why you shouldn't sell your earrings as 'hypoallergenic' to your customers.

What does it actually mean? Hypoallergenic means something is unlikely or less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Often makers and suppliers (not us) use the term hypoallergenic to describe their earring posts. Let me explain why you should not use this word when advertising your finished earrings to customers. 

Every single person in the world have their own unique allergies. When it comes to earring metals, someone may be allergic to titanium, another to nickel, and another to surgical steel. Unless you ask each of your customers if they have an allergy, you won't know what they are allergic to. 

For this reason, it is important to inform your customers about what metal your earring posts are made of, but do not state that they are hypoallergenic. If you state incorrect facts about your product and then your customer ends up with an allergic reaction, you may be held liable - yikes!

If you are looking for a high quality metal that is commonly used amongst makers for earring making, we recommend 316L Surgical Steel or 304 Stainless Steel. Discover our quality earring posts & backs, hooks and hoops here.