The Different Types of Piercing Retainers: Acrylic, Glass, Silicone & More

Whether you're looking to keep a piercing discreet for work, school, surgery, or sport, piercing retainers are a must-have. These low-key alternatives to metal jewellery help keep your piercing open and irritation-free without drawing attention.

At Custom Plugs, we offer a range of retainers in different materials. Each type serves a unique purpose, and choosing the right one depends on your piercing type, lifestyle, and personal needs. Here's a breakdown of the most popular piercing retainer materials, including their pros, cons, and ideal uses.

Acrylic Piercing Retainers

Pros:

Lightweight and comfortable

Affordable and widely available

Hypoallergenic (when made from medical-grade acrylic)

Available in clear and skin-tone options for discreet wear

Cons:

Not as heat-resistant as other materials (not suitable for autoclaving)

Can become brittle over time

Not ideal for fresh or healing piercings

Best For:

Healed piercings that need to be hidden temporarily. Great for everyday wear at work or school.

Glass Piercing Retainers

Pros:

Ultra-smooth surface reduces irritation.

Non-porous and easy to sterilise

Hypoallergenic, ideal for sensitive skin

Doesn’t hold bacteria like plastic or acrylic

Cons:

Fragile and breakable if dropped

Typically more expensive

Heavier than other materials

Best For:

Healed piercings where comfort and cleanliness are top priorities, ideal for septum, labret, and stretched ear piercings.

Silicone Piercing Retainers

Pros:

Flexible and soft, ideal for sleeping or sports

Very lightweight

Great for hiding piercings in tight or sensitive areas (like nostrils)

Easy to insert and remove

Cons:

Not recommended for fresh piercings

Can attract lint or dust if not cleaned regularly

Not all silicone is medical-grade - cheap versions may cause reactions

Best For:

Healed piercings needing comfort and flexibility. Perfect for athletes or anyone who wears retainers overnight.

PTFE (Bioflex) Retainers

Pros:

Flexible and biocompatible

Safe for new and healing piercings

Can be autoclaved for medical use

Often accepted during medical imaging or surgery

Cons:

More expensive than acrylic

Can stain or discolour over time

Best For:

Medical procedures, healing piercings, or anyone with metal sensitivities.

Which Retainer Is Right for You?

If you need to hide your piercing for a job interview: Acrylic or silicone are perfect.

Healing a new piercing: Go for PTFE or glass.

Sensitive to metals or prone to irritation: Choose glass or medical-grade silicone.

Explore Our Range

We’ve made it easy to find the perfect fit. Explore our full collection of high-quality piercing retainers, available in all materials and sizes.

Shop piercing retainers today!