The short answer: nitrile is not made with natural rubber latex and offers stronger chemical and puncture resistance, while latex is more elastic, form-fitting and cheaper. Choose latex for cost-sensitive clinical use where allergies are not a concern; choose nitrile where latex allergy or chemical exposure is a risk.
Latex and nitrile are the two most widely used materials for disposable examination gloves. Each has clear strengths, and the right choice depends on your application, your budget and whether latex allergies are a concern in your workplace. Here is a straightforward comparison to help you decide.
What Are Latex Gloves Made Of?
Latex examination gloves are made from natural rubber latex, tapped from the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree. Natural rubber gives latex gloves their signature elasticity, comfort and second-skin fit, which is why they remain the first choice in many clinical settings. The main drawback is a small risk of latex allergy caused by residual proteins in the rubber.
What Are Nitrile Gloves Made Of?
Nitrile gloves are made from nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), a fully synthetic polymer. Because they are not made with natural rubber latex, nitrile gloves are a common choice for users with Type I latex allergy. Nitrile also offers stronger resistance to oils, fuels and many chemicals, which makes it popular in laboratories, automotive and industrial settings.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Material: latex is natural rubber; nitrile is synthetic NBR
- Allergy: latex can trigger protein allergy; nitrile is not made with natural rubber latex
- Chemical resistance: nitrile resists oils and solvents better
- Puncture resistance: nitrile is generally more puncture-resistant
- Fit and feel: latex is more elastic and form-fitting
- Cost: latex is usually the lower-cost option
Read more on how latex allergy types affect glove choice.
Strength and Durability
Nitrile gloves generally outperform latex on puncture and chemical resistance, especially against oils and solvents. Latex, however, offers superior elasticity and tear recovery, so it stretches further before breaking and snaps back to shape. For high-volume clinical use where gloves are changed frequently, latex remains highly cost-effective.
Cost Comparison
On price, latex examination gloves are typically the more economical choice. At Pacific Resource Global we quote FOB Port Klang by material, packing and volume — email info@pacificresourceglobal.com or WhatsApp +852 65347895. Contact us for current nitrile pricing and minimum order quantities.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose latex when fit, comfort and cost matter most, and when allergy screening is standard practice.
- Choose nitrile when you need chemical or puncture resistance, or when you need gloves not made with natural rubber latex for staff or patients with latex allergy.
- Choose powder-free versions of either material in food handling, operating theatres and laboratories.
Why Pacific Resource Global?
Pacific Resource Global, manufactures latex examination gloves in Malaysia (5.0g, sizes XS to XL) and supplies nitrile and antimicrobial PROTECTOR® d2p gloves. Products are produced under ISO 9001 and ISO 13485:2016 quality systems and have been exported to more than 60 countries. CE Type-Examination BRI-47173-A applies to powdered latex PPE Cat III only — not to all product lines.
Ready to Compare Samples?
Contact info@pacificresourceglobal.com for a quote and a free sample request.
Sources and standards
The requirements referenced in this article come from the following public standards and regulations:
For a manufacturer-sheet side-by-side of latex vs nitrile properties (ASTM / EN / ISO rows), see our latex vs nitrile exam gloves spec sheet comparison. After you pick latex or nitrile, decide powdered vs powder-free in our powdered vs powder-free latex gloves guide. For pinhole sampling, see the AQL standard for examination gloves. Import paperwork: importing latex gloves from Malaysia.