Why is My Skin Turning Green?!?
Have you ever found a piece of jewelry you love, and after taking it off at the end of the day, you see your skin has turned green? Yep. It can happen with certain metals, but the good news is it’s completely natural, harmless, and easily comes off with soap and water! As a matter of fact, the more it's worn, the less it will happen. Now, let’s learn more about why it happens and tips on how to avoid it.
The Why: Talk Science to Me
Most metals used in jewelry are alloys, meaning they’re a blend of different elements.
Brass and bronze are two common alloy metals in jewelry. They’re loved for their warm, golden tone and more accessible price point—but what are they actually made of, and why is it turning you green?
At Cocoro Studios, our jeweler’s brass is approximately 85% copper and 15% zinc, while bronze is typically 85% copper and 15% tin. Because both are primarily copper, they naturally oxidize when exposed to moisture. Oxidation changes the metal’s surface color, creating a brownish or greenish patina over time.
Fun fact: you know how the Statue of Liberty appears to be green? That's because it's made of copper and is heavily oxidized!
Since brass and bronze are copper-based, it’s also common for some people to notice a green tint on their skin after wearing them. This happens when copper reacts with moisture, sweat, or the natural acids in your skin. Everyone’s body chemistry (pH levels) is different, so the reaction varies from person to person.
The higher the copper content, the higher the oxidation and potential "green tinge".
As mentioned earlier—don’t worry. This is completely harmless. In fact, some studies suggest that copper ions absorbed through the skin may even help reduce inflammation.
That said, if the green look isn’t your thing… what can we do about it?
The How: Tips to avoid it
- A quick clean with a polishing cloth will remove tarnish and shine up your brass like new. Bonus: a polishing cloth will be included with your purchase! In a pinch, you can even use one of those scotch-brite green pads to scrub the metal clean with gentle soap and water (note this technique will leave a brushed, matte finish) Alternatively, you can make a paste with baking soda, soap and water and scrub with soft toothbrush. After cleaning, always dry thoroughly.
- Keep your jewelry and hands clean and dry. When sweating or wet, the oxidation process is accelerated.
- Avoid swimming or showering with your brass/bronze jewelry. As well, keep it out of contact best you can from lotions, perfumes, and extra moisture.
- There are protective sealants you can apply to the metal areas that come in contact with your skin to minimize or eliminate the “green tinge”. (note: sealants will lessen over time, so will need reapplication occasionally, or use the tip below)
- A quick DIY option: clear nail polish can be used to coat the area that contacts your skin, minimizing or eliminating the greening and oxidation! Reapplication will be needed periodically.
- Increased wear of the jewelry will cause your body’s PH levels to adapt more to the metal, and the greening often lessens over time.
Now, if you’d rather avoid this altogether, you’ve got options.
Alternatives:
Of course there is Sterling Silver, which has considerably less copper and typically does not leave green. It will develop some natural tarnish over time when not worn, but this is normal and easy to clean with your polishing cloth or non-abrasive jewelry cleaner.
However, if you want those ✨GOLDEN✨ tones, you can consider either gold-plated, gold-filled, or solid gold. These are 3 very different qualities and price points, and for good reason:
Gold-plated*: *Gold-plated is not used here at Cocoro Studios. Gold-plated is the least expensive and lowest quality of these 3, as the gold layer is typically less than 0.05% of weight, and wears off quite quickly. The thin layer of gold is electroplated to a base metal - usually copper, brass, tin, or iron. When the thin layer wears off, the base metal will be exposed.
Gold-filled: The next step up is gold-filled. We typically use 14K GF, which is a heavy layer of 14 karat gold (up to 100x thicker than plated, typically 5% of weight) bonded through heat and pressure to a core metal- typically sterling silver or brass. This thicker layer ensures long-lasting durability, resistance to fading or scratches, and typically does not tarnish. Please note: there are limitations with gold-filled and this option can only be used for certain styles and pieces.
Gold: The final option - la crème de la crème - is solid gold. This will be your highest quality and heftiest price tag of them all! The most popular choice is either 14K or 18K, which denotes 14 parts gold / 10 parts other metals (58.3% gold) or 18 parts gold / 6 parts other metal (75% gold). While this is the most expensive option (currently approximately 8,000% more expensive than sterling silver), you do get what you pay for and it will surely last a lifetime, and for generations to come!
Conclusion:
So there you have it-- I hope this helped crack the case of why you may be seeing green with some jewelry, and supplied you with new remedies, and options to consider.
Lastly, it's good note: If you have a brass piece from Cocoro Studios, the brass will tarnish naturally but it will never rust nor will it lose that golden glow at its core!
Personally, I love the natural patina that develops on my brass jewelry. I let it ride, and give a good cleaning and polish about once a season (or more if it's summer here in Louisiana and I'm extra sweaty 😅)
Enjoyed the read? Have questions, comments, or thoughts? I’d love to hear from you. Please drop below your thoughts, or favorite type of material in jewelry.
Don't forget to check out one of our best sellers featuring the lustrous jewelers brass, ✨The Radiance Necklace ✨
As always, thank you for being here.
ox,
Heather Marie
Cocoro Studios
#liveyourcocoro
✨The Radiance Necklace✨
Available in brass, sterling silver, or 14K goldfill
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