Nickel Secretion and the Allergenic Potential of Cosmetic Microneedles

Microneedling is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure. However, because needles are made of metal, there is concern among aesthetic physicians and nonphysician providers regarding whether these needles pose a risk to individuals with known metal allergies.

To assess nickel release and structural degradation in commonly used microneedling devices.

Five brands of used microneedles were tested for nickel release using the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) spot test. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate structural integrity, focusing on cracks and fissures after use.

Of the 5 brands tested, 3 released nickel (Device A, Device B, Device E), while 2 did not (Device C, Device D). Needles from all 5 brands demonstrated cracks and fissures after their use. The presence of structural damage to the needles did not correlate with positive DMG testing. Unexpectedly, at least 4 of the companies (Device A, Device B, Device C, Device E) coat their needles with gold.

Nickel and possibly gold ion release from microneedling could elicit allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. A prospective study of dermatitis and healing times after microneedling in patients with nickel or gold allergies compared with those without such metal allergies is warranted.