The Differences Between Disposable Gloves: Latex, Nitrile, and Vinyl

Have you ever wondered what the differences are between nitrile and latex gloves? How about latex and vinyl gloves? Us too. That’s why it’s time to dig into this topic to give you the information you need to make the best decision for your business and employees.

Disposable gloves are a critical piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) used in a variety of industries including the medical industry, food industry, hospitality, pharmaceutical industry, and more. Yet deciphering the differences between latex, nitrile, and vinyl gloves can be tricky. Read on to learn the right gloves for your application: latex vs. nitrile vs. vinyl gloves.

Disposable latex gloves are made from natural rubber and are commonly used in a variety of industries including the healthcare industry, foodservice, and manufacturing. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of latex gloves.

The Pros: 

• A Sensitive Touch: Latex gloves allow the wearer a high degree of touch sensitivity (or tactile feedback). This feature makes latex gloves ideal for handling smaller objects or performing tasks that require the use of fine motor skills.
• A Comfortable Fit: Latex gloves are thin, flexible, and provide the wearer great range of motion when performing tasks that require control and precision.
• A Cost-Effective Choice: Latex gloves are often less expensive than nitrile gloves. This benefit makes them a good option for businesses that perform tasks in which disposable gloves are used and discarded frequently. 
• Better for the Planet: Latex gloves are made from natural rubber, which means they’re biodegradable and make less of a harmful impact on the environment than vinyl and nitrile gloves.

The Cons:

• Many Are Allergic: One of the main drawbacks of latex gloves is that many people are allergic to latex. The symptoms of latex allergies range from mild to severe and can cause a rash, runny nose, and even anaphylaxis. If you are allergic to latex, you’ll have to use nitrile or vinyl gloves instead.
• Less Durable Than Nitrile Gloves: Latex gloves are more prone to tears and punctures than nitrile gloves. 
• Less Chemical Resistant Than Nitrile Gloves: If you’re handling hazardous chemicals, opt for a pair of nitrile gloves instead.

Disposable nitrile gloves are made from a synthetic copolymer (acrylonitrile and butadiene, if you must know) and were popularized in the 1990s as a latex alternative. Let’s take a closer look. 

The Pros 

• Excellent Durability: Nitrile gloves are more durable than latex and vinyl gloves and are more resistant to punctures and tears.  
• Superior Touch Sensitivity: Nitrile gloves offer greater touch sensitivity than latex and vinyl gloves. 
• Trusted for Chemical Resistance: Nitrile gloves block out hazardous chemicals more effectively than latex and vinyl gloves which makes them suitable in most medical environments.
• Wide Variety and Availability: Offered in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and colors, nitrile gloves can be used in a broad range of industries. 
• Excellent Dexterity: Nitrile gloves provide superior range of motion when performing tasks that require precision and control.

The Cons:

• Not as Eco-Friendly: Regular nitrile gloves are not biodegradable and can take up to 200 years to decompose. However, more earth-friendly options are becoming more widely available.
• Can Cost More: Nitrile gloves are often more expensive than latex and vinyl disposable gloves.

Disposable vinyl gloves are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are commonly used in food service, janitorial, and light-duty industrial settings.

The Pros: 

• Economical: Vinyl gloves are more affordable than nitrile and latex gloves. If your business frequently uses and disposes of one-time-use gloves, vinyl may be a cost-effective option for you.
• Easy On and Off: Designed to provide a looser fit than latex and nitrile gloves, vinyl gloves are easy to put on and take off. 
• Latex-Free: Vinyl gloves are an alternative option for those with a latex allergy. 
• Ultra-Lightweight: Vinyl gloves’ lightweight composition makes them a comfortable option for light-duty tasks that don’t require a lot of protection.

The Cons:

• Not Made to Handle Sharp Objects: Vinyl gloves are the least durable compared to nitrile and latex gloves and are not designed to resist punctures or tears. 
• Not Chemical Resistant: Vinyl gloves are not designed to protect your hands from hazardous chemicals. Choose latex gloves or, better yet, nitrile gloves instead.
• Not Eco-Friendly: Vinyl gloves do not biodegrade which makes them an unfavorable choice for the planet.

Make sure you’re providing your employees the right gloves for their application. 

Latex Gloves

• Beauty and personal care
• Foodservice
• Janitorial and cleaning
• Research and laboratory work
• Healthcare and medical facilities
• Automotive 
• Manufacturing

Nitrile Gloves

• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Healthcare and medical facilities
• Janitorial and cleaning
• Foodservice
• Automotive 
• Manufacturing
• Law enforcement and first responders
• Heating and cooling

Vinyl Gloves

• Foodservice
• Janitorial and cleaning
• Non-hazardous environments
• Low-infection environments

Zoro carries the most trusted personal protective equipment brands business owners rely upon to keep their crews safe. The same goes for disposable glove brands. Shop our extensive selection featuring Ansell, Kimberly-Clark, and MCR Safety gloves to provide you with high-quality protection for all your industrial, medical, and cleaning needs.

For industrial or medical applications, it’s important to look for the CE or NEN markings. The CE mark indicates that the product meets the health, safety, and environmental protection criteria set forth by the European Union. The NEN certification is a Dutch certification that verifies the product’s quality and safety. These markings indicate that the product has undergone rigorous testing and has met stringent standards of safety and quality. Be on the lookout for these markings to ensure your employees will be protected from hazards pertaining to the work environment.

Properly fitting disposable gloves are essential to keep out infectious or hazardous materials. It’s easy to determine which size disposable gloves or work gloves are right for you. Simply measure the circumference of the widest part of your palm (avoid including your thumb) and refer to the chart below to determine your size.

Check out our instructional video to learn more: 

Latex and nitrile gloves are available in powdered and powder-free versions. Powdered gloves are easier to put on/take off and provide sweat absorption, while non-powdered gloves provide a more secure fit. In 2016, the FDA banned the use of powdered gloves in medical settings due to the risk of cross-contamination.

Disposable gloves are available in a variety of colors, but white and blue are the most commonly used colors. Blue disposable gloves are often used in food production because a blue glove is easier to spot than a white glove if a glove goes missing. Many businesses assign colors to specific applications to help avoid cross-contamination.

Whether you’re looking for vinyl gloves, latex gloves, or nitrile gloves, Zoro has the right disposable gloves for the job. Shop our extensive selection of colors, sizes, and materials at everyday low prices.

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.