Why Does Wearing Silver Jewelry Turn Your Wrist Green?

Many people notice that their wrist or the skin in contact with silver jewelry turns green over time. While this might seem unusual, it’s actually a natural chemical reaction and nothing to worry about.

Reason 1: Reaction Between Silver and Sweat or Skincare Products

Silver is an active metal. Though it doesn’t rust easily, it reacts with oxygen, moisture, or sulfur compounds in the air to form silver oxide or silver sulfide. This process can be accelerated by substances like sweat, skincare products, or perfume.

• Sweat: Human sweat contains salts and acidic substances, which can react with silver and create a green residue similar to verdigris.
• Skincare Products: Ingredients in lotions, perfumes, or makeup may interact with silver, leaving green marks on the skin.

Reason 2: Other Metals in the Silver Alloy

Most silver jewelry isn’t made of pure silver. Instead, it’s typically 92.5% silver mixed with 7.5% other metals, often copper, known as 925 silver. Copper oxidation is a primary reason for the green discoloration.