Piercing: Titanium or stainless steel? What to choose?

Stainless steel (or surgical steel)

What is “surgical” stainless steel?

Stainless steel is a metal alloy used in many fields (industry, medical, jewelry, etc.). It is valued for its corrosion resistance and shiny appearance.

The term "surgical steel" is often used for marketing purposes and does not describe a single type of steel. In reality, several stainless steels can be used for body jewelry, and not all meet the same safety requirements.

What types of stainless steel are suitable for piercings?

• 316LVM steel (ASTM F138) : This is a medical-grade steel, vacuum-refined, with a controlled composition and very few impurities. The APP considers it suitable for initial piercings , provided it is mirror-polished and properly manufactured.
• 316L steel : although corrosion-resistant, it is not classified as implantable. It can contain more impurities and releasable nickel than 316LVM, making it less suitable for initial placements or for sensitive individuals.
• Other stainless steels : these should not be used for piercings. Without a clear standard (ASTM F138) and without a detailed composition, they may contain too much nickel for safe body use.

Advantages of stainless steel for piercings

• More affordable price : steel is generally cheaper than titanium.
• Good corrosion resistance : it withstands everyday use well.
• Glossy finish : mirror-polished appearance that is aesthetically pleasing.

Disadvantages of stainless steel

• Nickel content : Even 316LVM steel (ASTM F138) contains nickel. Although it is an implantable material, sensitive individuals may still react.
• Quality varies depending on the type : only 316LVM (ASTM F138) is considered implantable. Standard 316L is less rigorously controlled and can release more nickel.
• Higher weight : steel is heavier than titanium, which can be a problem for some piercings.

In summary, surgical steel may be suitable for some people, particularly for well-healed piercings with no history of sensitivity. However, it is not the safest material for first-time piercings or sensitive skin.

Titanium for piercings

Why is titanium recommended for piercings?

Titanium is a metal that is lightweight , strong , and biocompatible . It is widely used in medicine for implants (prostheses, screws, plates, etc.) due to its excellent tolerance by the human body.

For piercing jewelry, preference is given to titanium that meets the ASTM F-136 standard (or sometimes F-67), which guarantees an implantable grade .

ASTM F-136 Titanium: the implantable standard

• Biocompatible : it is designed to be accepted by the body.
• Nickel-free : ideal for allergy or sensitivity sufferers.
• Very lightweight : more comfortable in the long term, especially on thin areas.
• It does not oxidize : it retains its appearance over time.

It is for these reasons that the APP (Association of Professional Piercers) and many piercers recommend ASTM F-136 titanium for initial piercings .

And what about the “G23 titanium” in all of this?

Jewelry is often advertised as being made of "G23 titanium." This term is primarily a marketing ploy and does not correspond to a standard such as ASTM F-136. Without clear and traceable information, it is difficult to know exactly what the alloy contains.

At Naald, we have chosen to offer exclusively ASTM F-136 titanium , implantable grade, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Titanium or surgical steel piercing: how to choose in practice?

For a first piercing

According to the APP, two materials are considered safe for initial installations:

• ASTM F-136 Titanium (Implantable Grade)
• 316LVM steel (ASTM F138), mirror polished

Titanium remains the most recommended material due to its complete absence of releasable nickel and its exceptional tolerance, particularly for sensitive skin. 316LVM steel can be used for initial placement, but it must be ASTM F138 certified and polished to minimize nickel release.

For a piercing that has already healed

On a well-healed piercing, some people tolerate surgical steel (316LVM or sometimes good quality 316L) very well, provided they do not have a particular sensitivity to nickel.

On the other hand, if you regularly have reactions to costume jewelry or certain metals, it's best to stick with titanium , even on an old piercing.

Sensitive, allergic or reactive skin

If you have ever experienced itching, redness, oozing, or contact eczema from jewelry, earrings, or clasps, consider your skin reactive . In this case, the safest choice remains ASTM F-136 titanium .

Special cases: nose, navel, ear, cartilage…

• Nose piercing : the skin and mucous membranes can be very reactive → titanium is strongly recommended, especially for the first piercing.
• Navel piercing : area prone to friction and moisture → titanium recommended, including for long-term use.
• Ear cartilage (helix, rook, tragus, conch…) : tissues less well vascularized, slower to heal → titanium as a priority, surgical steel only if everything is perfectly healed and tolerated.

Comparative table: ASTM F-136 titanium vs surgical steel

Frequently asked questions about piercing materials

What material should I choose for a first piercing?

For initial placement, we always recommend ASTM F-136 titanium . It is the safest material to ensure optimal healing conditions.

Is it safe to wear surgical steel on a piercing that is healing?

Generally speaking, we advise against using steel for a fresh piercing, especially if you have sensitive skin. Even good 316L steel can release some nickel. Implantable titanium remains the gold standard for the healing phase.

Is G23 titanium recommended for piercings?

The term "G23 titanium" is primarily used for marketing purposes and does not correspond to a clear implantable standard. If the material's traceability is unclear, it is safer to choose ASTM F-136 titanium .

Which material is best for sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin or a history of jewelry allergies, ASTM F-136 titanium is the best choice. It significantly reduces the risk of reactions and can be worn long-term.

Is 316L surgical steel suitable for piercings?

Some 316L stainless steel jewelry may be suitable for well-healed piercings and for people who are not sensitive to nickel. However, it is not considered an implantable material, and we do not recommend it for a first piercing.

In summary: ASTM F-136 titanium remains the safest and best-tolerated material, particularly for sensitive individuals or delicate areas. 316LVM steel (ASTM F138) is also considered implantable according to the APP, provided it has a mirror polish and is supplied by a reputable manufacturer. Standard 316L, on the other hand, is more variable and less suitable for initial implant placement.

Sources

• Association of Professional Piercers (APP) — Official Recommendations for First-Piercing Jewelry
• ASTM International — ASTM F-136 Standard for Implantable Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V ELI)
• ASTM International — ASTM F-138 Standard for Implantable Stainless Steel (316LVM)