Latex-Free Gloves

Latex-free disposable gloves are made of artificial materials like synthetic rubber or plastic. Because they don't contain the plant proteins found in natural rubber products like latex, they’re less likely to trigger allergic reactions This makes non-latex gloves a safer option for people with latex sensitivity.

Latex-free disposable gloves are used to avoid the risk of negative reactions in people with latex allergies. Many people are sensitive to the natural proteins found in latex exam gloves, and contact can cause rashes, blisters, and sinus problems. More severe reactions such as respiratory difficulties and anaphylaxis are also possible (though rare). 

If you wear latex gloves often, you’re more likely to develop an allergy. And if you have a job that requires physical contact with customers, such as tattooing, beauty, or massage, using a latex glove alternative reduces the risk to the people you’re touching.

Most medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and lab technicians, prefer to use non-latex gloves. Latex allergies aren't very common in the general population, but they can be caused by repeated exposure to latex. That means people who change gloves frequently, like hospital workers and dental professionals, are at greater risk.

Some doctors still like to use latex gloves for non-allergic patients because of their high touch sensitivity. But most of the best disposable gloves for doctors are latex-free.

Nitrile gloves contain zero latex and are the most popular choice for latex-free exam gloves. They're harder to rip and more puncture-resistant than just about any other disposable glove material. These synthetic rubber medical gloves also fit snugly and provide a high level of protection against infection and harsh chemicals.

Gloves made of vinyl (also known as polyvinyl chloride or PVC) are also free of latex. Vinyl gloves aren't as elastic as latex exam gloves or as resistant to rips and tears as nitrile. But they're very affordable and easy to change quickly, making them a cost-effective choice for light clinical tasks where latex-free gloves are important.

We also carry blended gloves made of nitrile and PVC paste, often called "vitrile". They give you some of the advantages of both materials — they're tougher than pure vinyl gloves but less costly than pure nitrile.

Only latex-free gloves are completely safe for people with an allergy to natural rubber, but powder-free gloves might lessen your risk of a bad reaction.

It used to be common for latex exam gloves to contain cornstarch powder to make them easier to get on and off. However, research showed that this powder could carry latex proteins into eyes and airways. (It may also interfere with wound healing and increase the risk of contamination.) Now the FDA mandates that exam gloves and other types of medical gloves must be powder-free.

Many powderless gloves today are made of nitrile or vinyl.  However, some are still made of latex for those who like this material’s stretchy feel. Just because a glove is labeled “powder-free” doesn’t mean it’s safe for those with allergies.

Vinyl gloves can be excellent if you have a latex allergy and you're swapping gloves frequently. They provide a low-cost sanitary layer to avoid cross-contamination. For latex-sensitive people performing tasks involving rough surfaces, sharp tools, or caustic chemicals, nitrile gloves may be better. They offer many advantages over vinyl in terms of fit and toughness.