

# Piercing Materials: Your Ultimate Guide
Piercing Materials: Your Ultimate Guide
Why Choosing the Right Material Matters

Since 2015, Crazy Factory has been your go-to for all things piercing, and we've learned one important thing: When it comes to piercing jewellery, it's not just about the look – the material is key for safety, comfort, and how well it works with your skin.
Before you dive into designs and colours, ask yourself these questions:
- Is your skin sensitive?
- Do you have any allergies to certain materials?
- How well has your piercing healed? Are you stretching? (Check out our guide on that!)
- Do you plan to wear this piercing all the time, or do you like to switch it up?
No matter how you answer, Crazy Factory has a fab range of high-quality, tested materials that look great and feel amazing – even for sensitive skin!
Check Out Our Awesome Materials

- Surgical Steel 316L
- Titanium
- Wood
- Glass
- Stone
- Bone
- Acrylic
- Silicone
- Bioplast, Bioflex & PTFE
Metals
Surgical Steel 316L – The Classic Choice
Surgical Steel 316L is one of the top picks for piercing jewellery. It's tough, doesn't rust, and is super scratch-resistant. No wonder it's even used in medical implants!
Look & Style:
- Shiny and polished for that elegant vibe
- Timeless silver look that goes with everything
- Perfect for both classic and trendy designs
- Super resistant to scratches and everyday wear
- Customisable with cool platings & coatings
- Gold and rose gold options for a touch of glam
- Black coating for a sleek, edgy look
Care Tips:
- Cleaning is a breeze! Just disinfect with soap or alcohol.
- Pro tip: If your jewellery has acrylic or crystal bits, try to take them off when cleaning.
- Here you can find sterilised steel piercings (and more!) that are perfect for first-time wear!
Skin Compatibility:
- Generally well tolerated, with rare allergic reactions.
- If you're super sensitive to nickel, titanium might be a better choice.
We've got over 10,000 steel piercings in all styles, check them out here
Titanium – Lightweight and Hypoallergenic
Titanium is the ultimate favourite for those with allergies. It's super light, won't rust, and is non-magnetic (great for MRIs!). Plus, it has no nickel – making it perfect for fresh piercings and sensitive skin.
We only use ASTM F136 titanium, which is top-notch for biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. Most people (over 99%) have no issues with it!
Look & Style:
- More matte finish compared to surgical steel
- Can be anodised for cool colours – think rainbow vibes!
Care Tips:
- Just wash with antibacterial soap and dry with a paper towel.
- Avoid alcohol as it can discolour it.
Organic Materials
Wood – Natural, Unique & Sustainable
Wood is a favourite for tunnels and plugs that are fully healed. Even heavier woods are lighter than titanium, making them great for larger piercings. Plus, in winter, they warm up nicely on your skin, and their natural texture helps prevent odours. Each wood piece is a one-of-a-kind treasure!
We offer a variety of woods like soft ash, strong mahogany, classic cherry, beech, or maple.
The natural grains make each piece of jewellery absolutely unique.
Care Tips:
- Treat with coconut or jojoba oil regularly.
- Keep it dry since wood can absorb moisture and get damaged.
Glass – Sleek, Stylish, and Super Comfortable
Glass is a fantastic choice for piercing jewellery – it looks classy and is super skin-friendly. Its ultra-smooth surface means less dirt, which means fewer irritations. Plus, glass is hypoallergenic, making it perfect for sensitive skin and fresh piercings.
Why Glass?
- No documented allergies to glass – it's super safe!
- Easy to insert and remove thanks to its smooth surface.
- Available in clear or vibrant colours and patterns.
Care Tips:
- Clean with mild soap and water, then dry.
- Be careful – glass can break if dropped!
Bone and Horn – Organic & Traditional
Bone is one of the oldest materials for body jewellery. It's lightweight, warm, and has a lovely natural feel.
Why Bone?
- Super comfy to wear and lightweight.
- Unique pieces that show off your style!
- Biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Care Tips:
- Keep dry; moisture can make it porous.
- Treat occasionally with natural oils like jojoba or coconut oil.
Stone – The OG Piercing Material, Cool A.F. since 10.000 BC
Stone is the oldest piercing material and is known for its durability. It's heavier than other materials, but its smooth and cool surface feels great on the skin. Plus, there are loads of unique colours and patterns to choose from!
Why Stone?
- Hypoallergenic and kind to your skin.
- Scratch-resistant and super durable.
- Elegant look with natural patterns.
Care Tips:
- Clean with mild soap and water.
- Protect from hard knocks as stone can chip.
Plastics
Acrylic – Bright and Versatile
Acrylic (or Plexiglas) is lighter than metal piercings and comes in countless colours and designs – plus it's budget-friendly! It's perfect for plugs and tunnels with fun designs (as long as they're fully healed). Acrylic is also great for attachments and balls to make your jewellery truly yours.
Important Facts:
- Super smooth for comfy wear.
- Not autoclavable, so only use for healed piercings.
Care Tips:
- Avoid alcohol for cleaning – it makes acrylic brittle!
- Keep away from heat to prevent warping.
- Use lukewarm water and mild soap (baby soap is a winner!). More tips in our care guide!
Stretching with Acrylic?
We recommend using surgical steel and glass stretching rods for stretching earlobes!
Acrylic, like wood and silicone, is too porous for thorough cleaning. With healed piercings, no problem, but fresh stretches need extra protection from infections.
Silicone – Ultimate Comfort
Silicone is soft, flexible, and super comfy – perfect for plugs and tunnels! It moves with you and doesn't get in the way during sports or sleep.
Why Silicone?
- Hypoallergenic and easy to wear.
- Doesn't conduct cold (great for winter!).
- Available in loads of fun colours and designs.
Care Tips:
- Clean with warm water and mild soap.
- Like acrylic, avoid alcohol and harsh cleaners.
Bioflex, Bioplast & PTFE – The Flexible All-Rounders
Bioflex, Bioplast, and PTFE (Teflon) are super flexible, skin-friendly, and biocompatible materials. They're popular for first-time use and piercings that get a lot of movement since they bend without causing irritation.
Why Bioflex & PTFE?
- Hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin.
- Autoclavable for sterile applications.
- Flexible and comfy, especially in active areas.
- Transparent options for discreet piercings at work or school.
Care Tips:
- Clean with mild soap and water.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and alcohol to keep them in top shape.
Fresh Piercings: What You Need to Know

If you've just got a new piercing, always opt for hypoallergenic materials! They help reduce irritation and ensure a smooth healing process.
Our Top Picks:
- Titanium – Hypoallergenic & super light
- Bioflex/Bioplast – Gentle & flexible
- PTFE – Extra friendly for your skin
Which Material is Right for You?

Choosing the right material isn't just a matter of style; it's crucial for your comfort and skin health. At Crazy Factory, we've got a huge selection of high-quality piercings – whether you want something tough, colourful, natural, or fancy.
Quick Material Comparison
| Material | Allergy Potential | For First Piercings | Long-term Wearability | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surgical Steel 316L | Low | Sometimes suitable | Excellent | Tough, corrosion-resistant, shiny finish |
| Titanium | Very low | Ideal | Excellent | Lightweight, biocompatible, colour anodisable |
| Wood | Medium (depends on type) | Not suitable | Good (with care) | Natural, lightweight, each piece is unique |
| Glass | Very low | Suitable | Very good | Smooth surface, inert, many design options |
| Stone | Low | Not suitable | Very good | Cool, elegant, natural patterns |
| Bone | Medium | Not suitable | Good (with care) | Traditional, lightweight, porous, develops unique patina |
| Acrylic | Medium | Not suitable | Sometimes suitable | Lightweight, colourful, budget-friendly |
| Silicone | Low | Not suitable | Sometimes suitable | Flexible, soft, ideal for sports, invisible options |
| Bioplast/Bioflex/PTFE | Very low | Ideal | Good | Flexible, biocompatible, MRI-safe |
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Crazy Factory Support
The email address for all Crazy Factory related questions:
info.en@crazy-factory.com
Our support team will be happy to help you from Monday to Friday and your inquiries will generally be processed within 24 hours. Get in touch!