Nearly half of beauty tools tested (46.4%) released nickel at levels that can trigger allergic reactions — even tools that don't look metallic. Cobalt release was less common but still present in 5.8% of tools. If you use beauty tools regularly, especially metal ones or those with metal parts, you could be exposed to these allergens every time you use them.

Researchers tested 308 beauty tools from seven salons in Germany using standardized nickel and cobalt spot tests to detect metal release at allergologically relevant levels.

Funding not disclosed in abstract