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Nickel is in a majority of metal items we use because it is inexpensive and adds durability as well as luster to other metals.
Many metal items are plated or have overlays. Costume jewelry, for example, often uses a nickel alloy as the base metal, then uses an overlay or plating process to cover the base metal. Once the overlay or plating wears thin, even microscopically, the nickel salts are exposed to your skin and will cause irritation.
See right side panel for metals that often contain nickel.
Test your jewelry regularly, even the "safe" and "good" jewelry, to ensure no nickel is present.
Nickel-free and Hypoallergenic Jewelry
There are no government standards or regulations for using the terms "nickel free" or "hypoallergenic."
Some manufacturers define "nickel free" as free of nickel in the plating or overlay but utilize nickel alloys in the base metal to increase durability and reduce the cost of goods. When the plating or overlay wears, even microscopically, an allergic reaction can occur.
Use Nickel Alert, not your skin, to test all your metal items for nickel content.
Many goods are manufactured in developing countries; it is recommended you test even "safe" metals occasionally, especially if symptoms arise.
~Did You Know?
The European Union limits the amount of nickel which can be released in objects that have prolonged contact with the skin.
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