When it comes to finding the right pair of protective gloves, you’ll need to consider comfort, durability, safety, and what you’ll be doing when you have them on. Nitrile and latex gloves dominate healthcare, industrial, and lab environments, but each type has pros and cons.
Here are the key differences between nitrile gloves and latex gloves so you can choose the right way to get the protection you need.
Natural rubber (usually from the Hevea brasiliensis tree)
Synthetic rubber
Provides comfort, tactile sensitivity, and flexibilityÂ
Slightly less flexible but still provides lots of dexterity
Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals
Rarely triggers reactions
Can break down when in contact with some chemicals
More durable
Usually less expensive than nitrile gloves
Usually more expensive than latex gloves
More biodegradable
Not as environmentally friendly
Latex gloves are made from natural rubber, which is usually harvested from the Hevea brasiliensis tree. The composition of latex may differ if it comes from another type of tree. This type of glove provides comfort, tactile sensitivity, and flexibility, making it a good choice for precise tasks such as medical and dental work.
It’s important to keep in mind that latex can trigger allergic reactions in some people, which might make nitrile gloves the better option in some cases. According to the Allergy and Asthma Network, around 1-6 percent of the U.S. population has a latex allergy, with these individuals experiencing reactions like allergic contact dermatitis and irritant dermatitis.
Nitrile gloves, on the other hand, are made from synthetic rubber and are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. While they are still comfortable and allow their wearers to perform tasks calling for manual dexterity, they are slightly less flexible than latex gloves. Some individuals prefer the fit and feel of nitrile to latex even when doing work that requires precision.
Both latex and nitrile gloves are available in powdered and powder-free options. Powdered gloves often contain cornstarch, which makes them easier to put on and take off. However, cornstarch and other powders can pick up proteins in latex gloves, which may lead to mild skin irritation and increase the risk of allergic reactions in some wearers.
When comparing nitrile gloves vs. latex gloves, it’s important to realize that the latter can break down more easily when exposed to certain chemicals. That’s because of their natural rubber composition, which is sensitive to some oils, solvents, disinfectants, and other substances. This means latex gloves aren’t well-suited for jobs that involve contact with lots of chemicals, such as cleaning, manufacturing, and car repairs.
Nitrile gloves, like the ones available here at RX-Safety, don’t have these problems. In fact, they are far more resistant to many chemicals, making them the preferred option for several industries, including food processing, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Latex gloves are often cheaper than nitrile gloves. In 2022, the nitrile gloves cost $32 per box, up from $3 per box before the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting surge in demand. Prices have since decreased as supply chains have stabilized and production has increased. Still, if you require large quantities of protective gloves, latex remains the most cost-effective option.
When it comes to availability, many manufacturers produce latex and nitrile gloves. Both products are available in different sizes and thicknesses, letting you customize a fit and level of protection depending on your needs.
Latex gloves are commonplace in the healthcare sector, with many doctors, dentists, and other professionals preferring them for precision, sensitivity, and cost-effectiveness. That said, these gloves can cause allergic reactions in some workers.
Nitrile work gloves are often the go-to choice for jobs that involve exposure to certain chemicals. They offer durability in environments that require resistance to hazardous substances, such as science labs and food processing plants.
As latex gloves are made from natural rubber, they are more biodegradable and better for the environment than nitrile gloves. The latter uses a synthetic material, which can take hundreds of years to break down in some cases. You can minimize your environmental impact by recycling nitrile gloves after you use them.
Ultimately, deciding between nitrile and latex gloves all depends on your specific needs and where you’ll be using them. If you’re a medical professional with no latex allergy, latex is a good option when treating non-allergic patients. However, if you’re sensitive to this material or work with chemicals, nitrile might be the better choice. You’ll also want to consider price, as latex gloves generally cost less than their nitrile counterparts.
RX-Safety has a wide range of nitrile and other safety gloves designed for comfort, durability, and protection. Whether you need protection for food handling, patient care, or other types of work, our products have you covered.
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