Short Answer: Yes.
When we are asked, ‘Are nitrile gloves latex free,’ the answer is ‘Yes! Nitrile gloves are latex free.' To see the difference between nitrile and latex gloves (and vinyl), check out this glove material comparison chart!
Nitrile Gloves Are Latex Free, but the Majority Contain Accelerator Chemicals
Nitrile disposable gloves can carry a very low allergy rate of less than 1% of users. Studies have shown that the chemical accelerators and other additives commonly used in the products of nitrile, can cause allergies. To reduce the cost of glove manufacturing, more and cheaper additives and chemical fillers are added to the raw material, in turn causing allergies and skin irritation. But some gloves are now being manufactured with a new formulation such as Eagle Protect's Sensitive and Derma2 gloves which directly addresses these skin issues. These gloves, made with LOW-DERMA ™ technology, are made with a different 'recipe' and without the use of accelerators for better allergy care and hand protection.
So when you ask, ‘Are nitrile gloves latex free?’, the answer is ‘yes,’ but when asked, 'Do nitrile disposable gloves contain accelerator chemicals?' the answer is a little more complicated.
What is Nitrile?
Nitrile is the superior material for today’s disposable gloves. Nitrile, also known as nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), is a form of synthetic rubber with an unusually high resistance to oil, fuel and other chemicals. The more nitrile within the polymer, the greater the protection from oils, but the lower the flexibility.
Historically, nitrile disposable gloves have not had the level of “stretch” that was associated with latex gloves. Advances in the formulation of nitrile, such as in Eagle Protect nitrile gloves, has closed the gap between nitrile and latex to a minimal difference. Also, improved manufacturing techniques have led to highly tactile, tough and flexible nitrile gloves with negligible allergy rates. Here's a blog to read a comparison of different glove materials.
Why Consider Nitrile Over Vinyl?
While nitrile has gained popularity for its durability and safety, vinyl gloves remain a widely used but problematic option. Vinyl gloves are made from PVC and plasticizers —which makes the PVC flexible and soft enough to wear— which can contain phthalates (like DEHP and DINP), BPA, and other chemicals linked to health risks and environmental concerns. These compounds aren’t bound to the glove material, making them more likely to migrate into food and skin.
Additionally, vinyl gloves have higher contamination risks due to their molecular structure, which allows more bacteria and virus permeation. With nitrile gloves now more cost-effective, they provide a safer, more sustainable alternative.
Nitrile Gloves: A Cost-Effective & Responsible Choice
Traditionally having been more expensive, nitrile disposable gloves have become cost-effective disposable gloves to better protect your employees, your customers and your business from the very real dangers of contamination and evolving safety regulations.
Eagle FineTough Nitrile Gloves are made using 30% less raw materials than standard disposable gloves. They are thinner (while retaining their strength), allowing twice the normal amount of gloves to fit in a single box (200!). Along with reducing the amount of cardboard waste, water and fuel, more gloves per box means more free storage space!
Only the Highest Quality Nitrile
Eagle Protect supplies only the highest quality and most dependable disposable gloves. We rigorously verify our suppliers for product excellence, ethical labor conditions, and environmental responsibility, ensuring compliance with our Supplier Code of Conduct and the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act. Read more about our responsible glove sourcing and transparent supply chain.
B Corp Certified for a Better Future
As the world's first B Corp certified supplier of disposable gloves and clothing, Eagle Protect is committed to being a force for good in the industry.
To learn more about the benefits of nitrile gloves and how they can better protect your business, employees, and customers, talk to an Eagle Protect expert today.
