Guide To Disposable Gloves - Which gloves are best for you?

Latex Gloves by Smart

HAOZE contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

Vinyl Gloves by Medibase

Nitrile Gloves by Medibase

Powdered vs powder-free disposable gloves

Why do disposable gloves have powder in them you may ask? The powder in disposable gloves helps to make them easier to put on and take off, it also reduces hand moisture from sweating and can also help with grip. The powder in disposable gloves is made from either cornstarch or calcium carbonate depending on the manufacturer. The downside to powdered gloves is the powder can cause skin irritation and some people can also have allergies to the powder. Sometimes if the glove contains too much powder, it can contaminate the area surrounding it when taking the glove on or off. 

Powdered vs powder-free disposable gloves which is best for me?

Choosing between powdered and powder-free is up to the user (with some provisos) and would depend on their skin type. Often manufacturers have samples of disposable gloves that you can test out before purchasing in bulk to help you decide which option works better for you. If you are interested in trying a glove sample, contact our team today via our freephone number 294 .

HTM 01-05 Guidance on the use of powdered gloves

The Health Technical Memorandum 01-05 on decontamination in primary care dental practices (HTM 01-05) states that powdered gloves should be avoided in dental practices in chapter 6 (6.19).

HTM 01-05 is a guidance document so does not necessarily represent binding regulations however many dental practices will seek to conform to this guidance.

How to measure which disposable glove size you are

To work out what size glove you need, take a tape measure (a fabric tape measure works best!) and wrap it around your dominant hand at your hand's widest point, just below your knuckles. Wrap the tape measure around starting at 0 and don't include your thumb. Note down that measurement and then simply compare it on our size chart guide below:

It is important to ensure the size of your disposable gloves are correct as using a size that is too small can cause tearing in the fabric and put you at risk of contamination, and wearing a size that is too big can cause the glove to accidentally slip as well as provide a weaker grip.

Surgical gloves and examination gloves sizing differences

When selecting disposable gloves, it's important to understand that surgical gloves and examination gloves are sized differently, which can impact comfort, dexterity, and performance in clinical settings.

Surgical glove sizing

Surgical gloves are designed for precision tasks, such as procedures in theatre, where a close, anatomical fit is essential.

They are sized using a numerical scale, typically ranging from 5.5 to 9.0, in half-size increments.

This measurement corresponds to the circumference of the hand (in inches) around the knuckles, excluding the thumb as shown in the above size chart. For example, a size 7.0 glove would fit a hand that measures approximately 7 inches (178mm) around the widest part.

This system allows for a more tailored fit, reducing hand fatigue during long procedures and enhancing tactile sensitivity.

Examination glove sizing

In contrast, examination gloves are used for routine patient care, examinations, and non-sterile procedures and are usually available in general sizes: Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L), and Extra Large (XL).

These sizes are based on broader hand size ranges and are more forgiving in fit. While convenient for quick donning and frequent changes, the less specific sizing may not offer the same level of dexterity or comfort for fine tasks.

Understanding these differences helps healthcare professionals select the appropriate glove type for their clinical needs, ensuring both safety and optimal performance.

Understanding disposable gloves thicknesses and measurements

Disposable gloves for dentistry and healthcare come in a range of thicknesses, and are often different measurement types used to describe the thickness of the glove material.

Disposable glove measurements

When talking about a glove measurement it is referring to the thickness of the disposable glove material. There are a few different ways the thickness of a disposable glove is measured, you may see:

Mil:

In disposable glove measurements, "mil" refers to the thickness of the glove material and is measuring a  "thousandth of an inch." 1 mil = 0.001 inch, so for example if a glove is 4 mil thick it measures 0.004 inches.

'Mil' in glove measurments is not an abrieviation of millimetre (mm).

Grammage:

When measuring disposable gloves "grammage" refers to the weight of a single glove in grams. It is not a technical specification like thickness in mil, but it is commonly used as a rough indicator of glove strength, quality, and durability. Thicker disposable gloves tend to be heavier so the larger the grammage measurement is the thicker the glove will be. 

AQL:

AQL, or Acceptable Quality Limit is a statistical measure used in quality control that indicates the maximum number of defects allowed in a batch of gloves before it is rejected.

In simple terms, it reflects the likelihood of a glove having microscopic holes or imperfections.

For medical-grade gloves, AQL is crucial because even a tiny defect can compromise barrier protection.

The lower the AQL number, the higher the quality of the glove. For example:

• AQL 1.5 means there can be up to 1.5 defective gloves per 100 tested – this is the minimum requirement for medical examination gloves under EN 455 standards.
• AQL 0.65 indicates an even higher standard, often found in surgical gloves, offering superior protection.
• Lower-quality gloves with higher AQL ratings above 1.5 may be acceptable for food handling or cleaning but not for procedures where infection control is critical.

What thickness should disposable gloves be?

The most frequently used measurement for disposable gloves is mil, which is often confused for meaning millimetre, but it does not! Mil measures a thousands of an inch and is a much smaller measurement.

Different tasks within dentistry and healthcare require different glove thicknesses, here is a breakdown of what mil gloves would be best suited to which tasks:

Disposable gloves under 2 mil:

• Gloves that are under 2 mil are considered a very thin glove, and are used for light-duty tasks, when a very high degree of tactical feedback is required and when changing of the glove is required frequently between tasks. 

Disposable gloves under 3 mil:

• Gloves under 3 mil are considered a thin glove and would be used in tasks when a very high degree of tactical feedback is required or where chemical or hazardous protection is not needed. 

Disposable gloves between 4 and 6 mil:

• Gloves between 4 and 6 mil are considered a medium glove and are stronger and thicker therefore can withstand greater tension and can be worn whilst using tools or equipment as they have a lower tear risk. 

Disposable gloves over 6 mil:

• Gloves that are over 6 mil are considered a heavy duty glove and offer a more rigid and thick feel to them making them an ideal option for use with chemicals or hazardous materials. However the thickness of the glove may reduce the tactical feedback necessary for fine precise tasks.

How are disposable gloves manufactured?

Disposable gloves are manufactured in different ways depending on the material type, with each glove type following a general pattern that includes dipping, curing and stripping, but there are some key differences in the process based on the glove material. Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber and are vulcanised, vinyl gloves are made from PVC without vulcanisation, and latex gloves require more leaching to remove proteins. These differences impact glove performance, cost, and allergen potential. 

Step by step guide of how disposable gloves are manufactured

Step 1 - Material preparation

The materials of each glove is prepared so they are ready to be used to make the disposable glove. 

• Nitrile Gloves: Made from synthetic nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) which is petroleum-based and latex-free.
• Latex Gloves: Made from natural rubber latex which is harvested from rubber trees.
• Vinyl Gloves: Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) combined with plasticisers like DEHP.

Step 2 - Cleaning and prepping glove formers

A glove former, also known as a hand former or glove mould is a hand shaped mould used to give a disposable glove its shape. Made of ceramic or aluminum, each glove former is washed in hot water and dipped in acid baths to remove any residues, then dried fully so they are ready for the next step of the manufacturing process. 

Step 3 - Coagulant dipping

Each glove former is then goes through a coagulant dipping process where it is dipped into a coagulant solution (usually calcium nitrate + calcium carbonate) to help the glove material adhere evenly to the formers. 

This step is sometimes skipped or simplified for vinyl gloves. 

Step 4 - Dipping in glove material

Once the glove former has been properly prepped it is ready to be dipped into the chosen glove material. The glove film forms as the material coagulates and adheres to the formers.

Each glove material is dipped in:

• NBR compound for nitrile gloves
• Natural rubber latex for latex gloves
• PVC paste for vinyl gloves

Step 5 - Leaching (water bath rinse)

Once the glove former has been dipped into the chosen material and the glove has formed on the mould, it then goes through a water bath rinse to remove any impurities, proteins, and residual chemicals, as well as reducing the risk of skin irritations or allergies. 

Not all disposable gloves go through this process;

• Latex: Undergoes extensive leaching to remove natural proteins
• Nitrile: Moderate leaching
• Vinyl: Minimal or no leaching

Step 6 - Curing/vulcanisation 

Curing, also known as vulcanisation, is a crucial step in the manufacturing process for disposable gloves and is especially important for glove materials that contain rubber, where the material is heated to cross-link rubber molecules. Sometimes a chemical agent can be used during this process to support the transformation of materials from soft and pliable to a more durable form. This thus strengthens the material, making it more elastic and tear-resistant.

Step 7 - Surface treatment

When it comes to disposable gloves, surface treatments play a vital role in improving usability, comfort, and safety. Below are the key methods used to enhance glove performance, especially relevant for clinical, dental, and medical environments.

Chlorination Treatment

• Chlorination involves immersing gloves in a diluted chlorine solution, which helps to reduce surface tackiness, making the gloves easier to put on and take off
• This process also significantly reduces the presence of latex proteins, which may help lower the risk of latex-related allergic reactions
• After treatment, gloves are thoroughly rinsed to remove residual chlorine, leaving behind a smoother, less adhesive surface

Polymer Coating

• A fine polymer layer, commonly made from materials like polyurethane, is applied to the glove’s surface
• This coating creates a non-tacky barrier, improving donning efficiency and providing a protective layer between the skin and glove base, ideal for users with sensitive skin or material sensitivities
• Depending on glove design the polymer coating may be applied to the interior, exterior, or both surfaces

Powdered Gloves

• Some gloves feature a light dusting of powder (typically cornstarch) on the inside, which reduces friction and helps users put gloves on more easily

Additional Surface Enhancements

Beyond basic treatments, some disposable gloves are manufactured with special textures or coatings to enhance:

• Grip in wet or dry conditions
• Resistance to specific chemicals

The different types of disposable glove cuffs

When choosing the right disposable gloves the cuff design of the glove is important to consider as the cuff aids in comfort and safety. Glove cuffs help to secure the glove at the wrist, preventing it from rolling down and can also provide additional protection against splashes or contaminants. 

Below are the most common cuff styles used in disposable gloves:

Beaded cuffs

A beaded cuff on a disposable glove features a reinforced rolled edge at the wrist end of the glove to add strength, making it less likely to tear and easier to don (put on).

A beaded cuff on a glove also prevents the glove from rolling down during use, key in medical and dental environments where hand movement is key and gloves need to stay put. 

Found in most nitrile, latex, and vinyl gloves, this is the most commonly used cuff design for disposable gloves.

Extended cuffs

An extended cuff on a glove offers longer protection for wrists and arms, typically ranging from 12 to 16 inches compared to the standard 9.5 inches. 

Extended cuffs are designed for high-risk procedures where additional protection to wrists and arms is necessary to provide protection against hazardous materials. 

These cuffs provide additional forearm coverage and are often paired with high-grade nitrile or latex materials.

Straight (standard) cuffs

The basic straight cuff design on a disposable glove lacks a rolled edge and offers a simpler, uniform finish at the wrist. This cuff type is more commonly used for economy-grade or general-purpose gloves, especially vinyl types.

While suitable for low-risk non-clinical tasks as straight cuffs are more prone to tearing or rolling down under strain.

Flared cuffs

A flared cuff on a disposable glove is slightly wider at the wrist opening, making them easier to put on and take off which is particularly helpful for users with larger hands or when gloves are worn over gown sleeves.

For more NBR Latex for laboratory glovesinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

A flared cuff is often used in environments where quick glove changes are frequent, and can also help reduce hand fatigue caused by tight-fitting gloves. 

Choosing the right cuff design is about more than just comfort, it’s about ensuring proper barrier protection and functionality. 

Where to start with buying disposable gloves?

Once you have worked out your glove size, then you can decide on what material choice works best for you.

This may come from trialling a few different material types to see which feels best and works best for your skin type.

Gloves are usually sold in either a 100 or 200 gloves per box, with boxes of 200 working out more cost effective to purchase. 

Nitrile Gloves

What are nitrile gloves?

Nitrile gloves are latex-free disposable gloves that are made of a synthetic material called nitrile butadiene rubber. Nitrile rubber gloves come in a range of colours, sizes and thicknesses and are also available in both powdered and powder-free versions. 

Nitrile gloves are a popular choice for disposable gloves in dentistry as they do not contain latex, which is often a benefit if there are any concerns for patients with allergies, especially latex allergies. Although you can be allergic to nitrile gloves, it is usually an allergy to the chemicals used during the manufacturing process, such as rubber accelerators or the powders rather than the nitrile material itself, however these allergies are less common in comparison to a latex allergy. 

Nitrile gloves that are over 4 mil thick should be resistant to most chemicals making them a great choice for industries such as healthcare and dentistry, however it is recommended to always check the chemical instructions and glove information for exact information on chemical resistance. 

The advantages of using a nitrile glove are:

Allergy-friendly

• Nitrile gloves offer a great non-latex glove alternative as latex allergies are common, so practitioners can feel confident that not only are they keeping their patient safe from allergies, but also their own skin safe from skin irritations.

Durable and reliable

• Disposable nitrile gloves offer higher puncture-resistance than in comparison to latex and have a lower tear or rip rate in comparison. Nitrile gloves provide a higher level of protection against chemicals, bloodborne pathogens and irritant materials making them a reliable yet durable option for everyday dentistry. 

Comfortable

• Nitrile gloves offer comfort with dexterity, easy and comfortable movement on hands and fingers but with good grip levels. There are a range of sizes available to ensure perfect sizing for each user.

Powdered and powder-free nitrile glove options

• Both are available in a range of colours and sizes to suit all needs.

The disadvantages of using a nitrile glove are:

• They are more expensive than latex options. 
• Users can still have allergies to accelerators used in the production of nitrile gloves.
• Due to the material naturally being thicker the tactile sensitivity can be reduced in nitrile gloves.

Latex Gloves

What are latex gloves?

Latex gloves are a type of disposable glove made from natural rubber latex, a popular and long-standing material choice in the healthcare and dental industries. These medical-grade gloves are available in a variety of colours, sizes, and thicknesses, and come in both powdered and powder-free options to suit different user preferences and regulatory requirements.

Disposable latex gloves are widely used in dentistry and healthcare as they are cost-effective, reliable, and suitable for most individuals without latex sensitivities. They offer superior elasticity, a close, snug fit, and excellent tactile sensitivity, making them especially well-suited for procedures such as dental examinations, non-surgical treatments, and general patient care. 

The advantages of using a latex glove are:

Comfort with elasticity

• Latex has a natural elasticity in the material that allows it to conform and shape easily to the hand ensuring user comfort as well as a secure fit. 

Durable and reliable

• Latex gloves are tear and rip-resistant.

Cost-effective

• Latex disposable gloves are a cost-effective choice and often work out better to buy in bulk. 

Powdered and powder-free latex glove options

Both are available in a range of colours and sizes to suit all needs.

The disadvantages of using a latex glove are:

• It is common for users and patients to experience latex allergies so are not always suitable for everyone. 
• Latex gloves are not chemical resistant. 
• Latex is a thinner glove material in comparison to nitrile and have a higher risk of tearing, ripping or being punctured.
• The Health Technical Memorandum 01-05 on decontamination in primary care dental practices (HTM 01-05) recommends that the use of latex gloves should be subject to a Health & Safety Executive recommendation which calls for local risk assessment (HTM-01-05 Chapter 6.18).

Heavy Duty Gloves

What are heavy duty gloves? Heavy duty gloves are a type of disposable glove designed with a thicker material composition to provide enhanced protection in high-risk environments. These gloves are ideally suited for dental professionals performing tasks involving sharp instruments, dental tools, or exposure to chemicals and hazardous materials.

Heavy duty disposable gloves used in dentistry are typically made from durable materials such as nitrile or neoprene, both known for their chemical resistance, puncture resistance, and overall durability. These chemical-resistant gloves offer reliable protection against tears, rips, and a wide range of substances, making them ideal for sterilisation procedures, laboratory work, or maintenance tasks within the dental surgery. While not commonly used for patient-facing procedures, heavy duty nitrile gloves for dental use are essential for ensuring safety and hygiene during demanding, non-clinical applications. 

How often should a heavy duty glove be replaced? A heavy duty glove should be replaced when they show significant signs of damage or wear such as holes, rips, tears or any significant signs of damage. Heavy duty gloves should also be replaced if they become very dirty and when they have used their certified wash amount. 

The advantages of using a heavy duty glove are:

Superior protection

• Heavy duty gloves offer a strong and superior resistance towards punctures, rips, tears, chemicals and abrasives making them suitable for higher-risk tasks.

Versatile

• Heavy duty gloves are suited for tasks such as dental cleaning, lab work, use of sharp instruments, chemicals and equipment, as well as tasks that require longevity of glove use. 

Chemical protection

• Heavy duty gloves provide high levels of protection against chemicals. 

Textured grip

• As heavy duty gloves are made of a thicker material, they usually feature a textured surface to improve grip or help support with slippery materials.

The disadvantages of using a heavy duty glove are:

• As heavy duty gloves are made of a thicker material, the tactile sensitivity and dexterity is reduced. 
• The thicker material makes heavy duty gloves less breathable and less comfortable when worn for long periods, and can cause the hands to sweat. 
• Heavy duty gloves are less cost-effective as they are a more expensive disposable glove. 

So far we have covered non-sterile gloves, but if you are looking for a sterile glove option, here's what you need to know!

Surgical Gloves

What are surgical gloves?

Surgical gloves are a type of disposable glove that are individually packaged in pairs and sterilised to be completely free from microorganisms. These sterile disposable gloves are essential for maintaining a sterile environment during invasive or surgical dental procedures where infection control is critical.

Sterile dental gloves are typically made from the same materials as non-sterile gloves—such as latex, nitrile, or vinyl—and are chosen based on practitioner preference or patient sensitivity. Commonly used in oral surgery, implant placement, periodontal treatments, and any aseptic procedures, these gloves help prevent contamination of sterile fields and reduce the risk of cross-infection. Whether using latex sterile gloves for their flexibility or nitrile sterile gloves for allergy-safe durability, dental professionals rely on these surgical gloves for dentistry to ensure the highest level of hygiene and patient safety.

The advantages of using a sterile glove are:

Infection control

• Using a sterile glove maintains a sterile environment and gives the user peace of mind during surgeries. 

Various options available

• Sterile disposable gloves come in a range of material options, as well as sizing and colours. 

Regulatory compliant

• Sterile disposable gloves meet the hygiene and safety standards required by health authorities. 

The disadvantages of using a sterile glove are:

• Sterile gloves have a high price point due to the sterilisation process they undergo before being packaged. 
• Sterile gloves have a shorter expiration date.

Examination gloves vs surgical gloves

What is the difference between examination gloves and surgical gloves you may ask? Examination gloves and surgical gloves are both types of disposable gloves but are each used in different settings.

Examination gloves are an everyday disposable glove that is non-sterile and can be used for a range of tasks such as routine medical examinations, dental check-ups, and patient contact. They are also suited to cleaning whilst using non-hazardous products. Examination gloves are used more frequently as a daily glove within dental practices or medical settings. 

Surgical gloves are sterile and used during procedures where contamination needs to be prevented, for example during oral surgeries or surgeries of any type. Surgical gloves have a higher price point as they have undergone a sterilisation treatment to ensure they are free of any microorganisms. 

There are three common types of disposable gloves. Choosing the right kind can help you save money, keep your hands protected, and get jobs done. Here’s a comparison of vinyl vs nitrile vs latex gloves at a glance.

In addition to these traditional options, we are now proud to offer biodegradable nitrile gloves, combining the durability and chemical resistance of standard nitrile gloves with an environmentally friendly design. Buy disposable gloves here. Order as many as you need and get a delivery straight to your door.

Difference Between Latex, Vinyl and Nitrile Gloves

Disposable gloves provide an essential protective barrier between skin and a potentially infectious or harmful substance. When used in healthcare, gloves provide the first line of defence for healthcare workers against bloodborne pathogens when attending to sick patients.

But disposable gloves aren’t just used by doctors and surgeons. Mechanics, laboratory technicians, factory workers, and even hairdressers use disposable gloves to protect from chemical substances that could harm their skin. 

HSE states in its guide to selecting the right disposable gloves that:

“There are four requirements which must be met for any protective glove selected to be suitable. The glove must: be appropriate for the risk(s) and the conditions where it is used; take into account the ergonomic requirements and state of health of the person wearing it; fit the wearer correctly, if necessary, after adjustments; either prevent or control the risk involved without increasing the overall risk.”

So what's the difference between latex, nitrile and vinyl gloves, and how do you know which ones you should use?

The difference between nitrile, latex, and vinyl gloves can make a job safer, easier, and more efficient; you can even save some money. If you’re wondering ‘are nitrile and vinyl gloves the same?’ or ‘are nitrile and latex gloves the same?’ you can find out in this guide. 

Vinyl vs Nitrile Gloves

It’s important to know the difference between nitrile and vinyl gloves; your personal safety could depend on it if you work in an environment with harsh chemicals or sharp objects. Are nitrile gloves better than vinyl? We usually recommend nitrile gloves for high-risk tasks such as those in labs, medical settings, and engineering. Vinyl gloves are better suited to low-risk tasks like general cleaning and hygiene. Choosing nitrile or vinyl gloves depends on the tasks at hand. 

Nitrile vs Latex Gloves

There are some essential differences between latex and nitrile gloves that will affect your decision too. Are nitrile gloves better than latex? It depends. Nitrile gloves are considerably stronger than latex, and there’s no risk of a latex-allergic reaction from nitrile. However, latex gloves are likely to be a significantly cheaper (but lower quality) option. Choosing nitrile or latex gloves is down to your business operations. Find out more below.

Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are sometimes called medical-grade gloves because they offer the highest level of protection in examinations and surgery. Nitrile gloves are known for their high tolerance of biohazards like blood, corrosive substances like hydrogen peroxide, and a wide range of solvents and other oil-based chemicals.

Nitrile gloves are made from copolymer nitrile butadiene rubber derived from bonding two chemicals: acrylonitrile and butadiene. These chemicals give nitrile gloves their chemical resistance and flexibility. Nitrile gloves are also puncture-resistant, and their composition means that if they do break, they are more likely to split, meaning no minute tears or punctures will go unnoticed, and the contamination can be dealt with quickly.

Because of this, nitrile gloves are used not only in healthcare and medical examinations but also in the automotive and mechanical industries. They are even used in beauty services like tattooing and piercing, where sharp tools are used that could compromise the protective barrier between the skin and harmful materials.

We offer biodegradable nitrile gloves which have the same high-level protection, flexibility, and chemical resistance as traditional nitrile gloves but with the added benefit of being more environmentally sustainable.

Comparing nitrile vs latex gloves' mechanical benefits or nitrile vs latex gloves chemical resistance benefits, nitrile will always come out on top because of its robust barrier that protects against corrosive materials and substances.

Where are nitrile gloves used?

• Labs
• Garages
• Hospitals
• Veterinary
• Care homes
• Dental clinics
• Warehouses
• Beauty salons
• Doctors surgeries
• Manufacturing facilities
• Tattoo and piercing shops
• Waste management facilities

The highly protective nature of nitrile gloves meant that for some time, they were very tough and didn’t afford a good level of dexterity and sensitivity. But thanks to advances in manufacturing, nitrile gloves are now made with a touch sensitivity akin to latex gloves, meaning they can be used to perform high-precision tasks and worn for extended periods. They are also often made in a range of sizes to ensure a close fit.

Latex Gloves

Latex gloves have been the recommended protection in the medical world for decades against bloodborne pathogens. They are made from thin latex rubber, making them highly flexible, malleable, and offering excellent touch sensitivity. Because of this, latex gloves are a good option when performing tasks that are detail-oriented and high precision, like surgery, medical examinations, and dental work. 

Unfortunately, because of their material makeup, latex gloves can cause allergic reactions in people who suffer from latex allergies. 

Despite the benefits of nitrile as a highly protective material for gloves, latex affords more elasticity and touch sensitivity. Latex gloves offer moderate resistance to tearing and puncturing, but the material also conceals breakages well, meaning the protective barrier could be breached and holes and tears go unnoticed.

Latex gloves also offer medium-level protection against some chemicals that can damage the skin, such as sodium peroxide and sulphuric acid.

Where can latex gloves be used?

• Spas
• Cleaning
• Veterinary
• Hospitality
• Healthcare
• Care settings
• Beauty services
• Dental surgeries
• Food preparation
• DIY and home improvement 

The latex glove is an excellent go-to disposable glove for protection against potentially harmful substances, prevention of cross-contamination from germs on hands, and protection of the skin. But only if the wearer and anyone else coming into contact with the gloves do not have a latex allergy. If you plan to use your gloves when making physical contact with someone else, such as a patient or customer, ensure they do not have a latex allergy or opt for nitrile or vinyl gloves instead. 

The difference between latex and nitrile gloves comes down to the task at hand and personal preference. When considering nitrile vs latex work gloves or latex vs nitrile gloves for food, use your discretion to choose either option. You may want a cheaper but lower-quality glove, so a latex glove is a good option. If you want more protection and a better fit while avoiding latex use, choose a nitrile glove.

Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl is the most lightweight of the three disposable glove types. As such, vinyl gloves are the most widely available and cost-effective option but aren’t suitable for high-risk tasks involving a more significant infection or injury risk. 

Vinyl gloves won’t stand up to long periods of wear. They are usually more loose-fitting than nitrile or latex gloves that need to offer a close fit. Made from polyvinyl chloride, otherwise known as PVC, vinyl gloves are best suited to cleaning operations and other tasks that don’t involve any corrosive chemicals but where the extra degree of barrier protection helps to keep hygiene levels high and protect the skin on the hands from repeated exposure to substances and actions that dry it out. 

The difference between nitrile, latex, and vinyl gloves is usually in the degree of protection needed. Nitrile gloves are required when handling sodium hydroxide in a lab to protect against the risk of spillage. However, using nitrile gloves when preparing sandwiches in a commercial kitchen could be considered overkill. Staff could get through several pairs of gloves in a day in the kitchen, which could become an expensive investment for the business owner. Using vinyl gloves would be far more cost-effective and fulfil the purpose of protecting the food from skin contact. 

Blue vinyl gloves should be used in food prep environments under HSE guidance to minimise the risk of food contamination. While vinyl gloves are an excellent solution for various food prep tasks, they are not approved for handling fatty foods. This is because phthalate plasticisers are not chemically bound to the PVC from which vinyl gloves are made and can evaporate into the fatty foods and become soluble. In this case, nitrile gloves are recommended.

Vinyl is anti-static and protects against shocks and chafing when stripping back sheaths on cords and wires, so vinyl gloves are well suited to some electricians’ work.

Where are vinyl gloves used?

• Cleaning (without highly corrosive chemicals)
• Food preparation (apart from fatty foods)
• Hairdressing to protect hands from chemicals and repeated exposure to water
• Painting and DIY
• Working with wires and cords

When comparing vinyl vs latex vs nitrile gloves, vinyl gloves are the best short-term solution in a wide range of cases. Generally, vinyl gloves are a cheap and easy option when you need temporary protection for a low-risk job. Vinyl gloves can protect from low-level hazards, maintain good levels of hygiene, minimise cross-contamination, and make certain jobs more tolerable by protecting the skin on the hands from contact.

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