Body Jewelry Material Types (Explained)

1. G23 Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V ELI)

• Medical-grade, implant-certified (ASTM F136)
• Hypoallergenic – great for sensitive skin
• Rust- and tarnish-resistant
• Lightweight and durable
• Ideal for: Initial piercings, long-term wear

2. Surgical Stainless Steel (316L / 316LVM)

• Common, affordable, and durable
• Contains nickel – may irritate sensitive skin
• Not recommended for fresh piercings
• Ideal for: Healed piercings

3. Niobium

• Nickel-free and hypoallergenic
• Naturally corrosion-resistant
• Available in anodized (colorful) options
• Ideal for: New piercings, colorful looks

4. 14K or 18K Solid Gold

• Precious and elegant
• Hypoallergenic if nickel-free
• Avoid plated gold for new piercings
• Ideal for: Healed piercings, luxury jewelry

5. Platinum

• Premium, heavy, and durable
• Extremely hypoallergenic
• Expensive
• Ideal for: High-end body jewelry

6. Bioplast / PTFE (Flexible Plastic)

• Biocompatible and flexible
• Safe for pregnancy or X-rays
• Lightweight and great for healing
• Ideal for: Medical use, healing piercings

7. Acrylic

• Comes in many fun colors
• Not biocompatible
• Can crack or harbor bacteria
• Ideal for: Temporary fashion wear

8. Glass (Borosilicate or Quartz)

• Non-porous and safe
• Smooth and skin-friendly
• Fragile if dropped
• Ideal for: Healed piercings, plugs, tunnels

9. Wood

• Natural, lightweight, and unique
• Must be properly sealed
• Not for fresh or wet environments
• Ideal for: Organic, healed piercings

10. Silicone

• Flexible and comfortable
• Can trap bacteria if not cleaned well
• Not for fresh piercings
• Ideal for: Sleep, sports, temporary wear

Best Materials for New Piercings

• G23 Titanium
• Niobium
• PTFE / Bioplast (in special cases)

Materials to Avoid for New Piercings

• Acrylic
• Plated metals
• Unknown base alloys