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A Complete Guide to Vinyl Gloves

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Ingrid

May. 26, 2025
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A Complete Guide to Vinyl Gloves

Are disposable vinyl gloves safe for people who are allergic to latex? Are vinyl gloves latex free? The answer is yes, but there are other important concerns you need to be aware of. 

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In this vinyl gloves guide, we will answer these two questions and provide more details about other matters to consider before making your next purchase.

With the rise of latex allergies, it is important to find the right type of hand protection to keep you and others around you safe. It is so critical to your health that a law was passed by the Federal Food and Drug Administration requiring all medical devices to include a statement on the label that says, “Caution: This Product Contains Natural Rubber Latex Which May Cause Allergic Reactions.”

A serious reaction to latex can be prevented if you choose the right type of gloves to use. This is one of many reasons why vinyl is a popular choice among the full array of disposable glove options.

Advantages

Disposable vinyl exam gloves are a good alternative for people with latex allergies. In some cases, they are a superior option. Vinyl gloves are ideal because they are latex-free and usually the cheapest. 

They offer a variety of protective features when handling non-hazardous materials. This makes them an excellent option in the food and beverage industry. They are also a common choice in many household and commercial applications that require routine donning and removal. This includes professions such as hairstyling, house cleaning, assisted living work, washing, maintenance, and food preparation.

Besides being highly affordable, they are great for low-risk tasks for a short period of time. They are suitable for use as a protective barrier against detergents, dyes, and low-risk bodily fluids.

Vinyl Glove Allergies

An allergic reaction to vinyl gloves is almost non-existent. Instances of an allergy to vinyl gloves are very uncommon. Those who do complain about some type of reaction are really experiencing a skin irritation, called contact urticaria, caused by a lack of ventilation inside the glove.

What is Contact Urticaria?

Contact Urticaria is a simple skin irritation that is very mild and temporary. Using fabric liners that absorb sweat can help prevent the problem. They can either be built into the glove or worn as a separate layer underneath. This thickens the overall hand defense, reducing mobility and finger dexterity.

Are Vinyl Gloves Waterproof?

Vinyl gloves are waterproof. Any type of sealed glove will make your hands sweat after being worn for a length of time. The moisture from perspiration and heat gets trapped inside the glove. This causes the skin to become irritated making it uncomfortable.

Benefits of Disposable Vinyl Gloves

  • Protein-free and latex-free
  • Inexpensive
  • Good for short-term, low-risk tasks around low-level chemicals
  • Have anti-static properties

What are the Materials Used to Make Vinyl Gloves?

Vinyl gloves are made from a synthetic rubber latex that is petroleum-based. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plasticizers are the synthetic latex material used in the production of vinyl disposable gloves. It lacks naturally occurring proteins present in natural rubber latex.

What is important to remember is that not all allergic reactions to wearing gloves are caused by latex. Other chemical additives in gloves may cause allergic reactions or irritant contact dermatitis in the person wearing them.

Are Vinyl Gloves Safe?

Overall, they are safe to use in the workplace where latex allergies may be present. They do not run the risk of allergic reactions associated with natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves. Furthermore, vinyl gloves have a longer shelf life because they are synthetic and non-biodegradable.

Disadvantages

Even though vinyl gloves are typically the cheapest option saving you money, great for simple tasks not involving strong chemicals, and latex-free, there are a few other important things to consider. 

One big disadvantage of vinyl gloves is minor protection. They are not meant to be worn for long periods of time and offer little in chemical resistance. In general, the fit is loose and less flexible than their latex and nitrile counterparts. This may make them feel uncomfortable since the fit is not as snug, especially if your hands have been sweating. 

Hazardous substances should not be handled with this type of glove because of the low resistance to chemicals and high propensity to leakage. Reports indicate that after about an hour of wearing the gloves, they will begin to leak. The substances you are handling may leak through the vinyl glove barrier.

More Cons

  • Less durable
  • Limited chemical protection
  • Less resistant to biomedical exposure and micro-organisms
  • Can tear easily
  • Looser fit
  • Non-biodegradable

What are Vinyl Gloves Used For?

Vinyl gloves are used fr similar tasks as latex or nitrile gloves. They are widely used in all food service sectors, research facilities, clinics, and everyday household tasks.

Even More Places that Use Vinyl Gloves:

  • Food processing and meal preparation
  • Dentistry, medical, cosmetics, and beauty
  • Janitorial and housekeeping services
  • Automotive and manufacturing

They can be found anywhere there is a need for cleanliness and where there is a low risk of contact with bodily fluids that could cause infection. 

Standard Vinyl Gloves are Typically Used For:

  • Cleaning tasks in food preparation areas
  • Low-risk personal care process tasks for hands and fingers
  • Light-duty janitorial, housekeeping and maintenance work
  • Machinery assembly and low maintenance work

Are They Right For You?

They are ideally suited for restaurant work and other uses that necessitate some protection but do not necessarily require a high level of dexterity or tactile accuracy.

When to Use Vinyl Gloves

They should be used whenever your hands may be exposed to less toxic liquids, disinfectants, detergents, dust, mild cleansers or other light chemicals. They are also safe to use around food.

Conduct a risk management assessment to calculate the level of risk and the appropriate level of protection.

The Glove Selection Process

Select and fit gloves for the task to be performed. If your hands are extremely sweaty, consider using a liner glove or practice double-gloving with an antimicrobial glove underneath. Wearing a glove or liner underneath in a different color will also help you notice punctures and tears quicker.

Are Vinyl Gloves Latex Free?

Yes, but keep all other concerns discussed in this vinyl gloves guide in mind as well. In conclusion, vinyl gloves are great for the public or anyone who only needs some protection but not a lot of dexterity. In general, they don't provide enough chemical resistance, but they are a good choice to use while trying to keep your hands clean.

Powder Free Vinyl Gloves

By the way, did you know that we carry powder free vinyl exam gloves? We also carry the bestselling powder free black vinyl gloves and powder free blue vinyl gloves in all sizes. Take advantage of our one-stop shop to get everything you need.

The Ultimate Guide on How to Choose the Best Glove ... - Co-Defend

Disposable medical gloves help in preventing cross-contamination between patients and their caregivers and protects against hazardous chemicals and bacteria. To achieve maximum protection, it is important to choose the right gloves as per your application and use them appropriately. If you’re looking to buy synthetic disposable gloves online, Co-Defend brings you the best selection of medical gloves that offer maximum protection against infections, bacteria, and chemicals.

Here’s a complete guide on how to choose the right glove and use it properly.

Different Types of Gloves Available in the Market

When you buy synthetic disposable gloves online, you may come across various options available to suit different applications. The level of comfort, durability, and protection depends on the type of gloves you use. Some of the common types of gloves include latex gloves, nitrile gloves, and vinyl gloves. With various options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to choose the right pair of gloves for your application.

So, let’s break it down and identify the purpose of different types of gloves available in the market. Once you understand this, it will be much easier to decide which is best for you.

  1. Latex Gloves

This is the most common type of glove available in the market. It is a biodegradable material made of natural rubber. Despite the development of synthetic materials, latex is still the most elastic, resilient, and flexible material for gloves. Due to the dexterity, tactility, and comfort it offers, latex gloves are suitable for medical, auto repair, and food-service applications.

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Latex gloves come in powdered, lightly-powdered, and powder-free. The powder inside these gloves is cornstarch-based and is used for easy slipping of the gloves on your hands. Latex gloves typically protect your hands from chemicals, body fluids, bacteria, and viruses.

The drawback to latex gloves is that it can cause severe allergic reactions, skin dryness and irritation, and even Latex allergies.

  1. Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl is a non-biodegradable, synthetic, and protein-free material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plasticizers. When you’re looking to buy synthetic disposable online, vinyl gloves are a good option as they have a longer life span than latex gloves and have low production cost which makes them inexpensive to purchase. Like Latex gloves, Vinyl gloves also come in different thicknesses and are available as powdered or non-powdered.

Unlike latex and nitrile, vinyl offers little protection against chemicals and bacteria. Vinyl gloves are suitable for handling non-hazardous materials and chemicals. Vinyl gloves also lack flexibility, dexterity, and have higher chances of being worn and torn. These gloves are suitable for food-service applications and other applications where product protection doesn’t require much dexterity and tactility.

  1. Nitrile Gloves

Made from nitrile butadiene rubber, another synthetic material, Nitrile gloves are a great alternative for people with latex allergies. Unlike latex, these gloves have a longer shelf life and are three times more resistant to punctures or tears. However, if the glove is punctured, it is likely to get torn completely, and therefore, the wearer must replace it immediately to avoid contamination.

Like Latex, Nitrile offers flexibility, comfort, dexterity, and durability, however, it is more resistant to oils, fats, chemicals, solvent, which makes them ideal for medical applications, agricultural or pesticides applications, meat processing, chemical, and photochemical industries. Nitrile gloves can also bear higher temperatures and therefore, it suitable for automotive applications. Like latex and vinyl, nitrile gloves are available in a variety of thicknesses, powdered, lightly-powdered, and powder-free.

Among the three types, nitrile gloves are the costliest which is regarded as the only drawback of nitrile gloves.

As one of the leading bulk PPE suppliers in the USA, we offer high-quality gloves of various sizes, types, and designs. Whether you’re looking to buy bio-degradable gloves or buy synthetic disposable gloves online, Co-Defend has got you covered.

Other Glove Options to Choose from

  1. Powdered Gloves vs. Powder-free Gloves

Powder-free gloves are more expensive because of the process that is required to remove the powder coating from the glove. However, this type of gloves reduces the chances of allergic reactions and skin irritation by lowering protein and chemical content. Besides, powder-free gloves are cleaner to use as they do not leave any residue on clothing or other surfaces.

Powdered gloves have cornstarch which makes them much easier to wear. Cornstarch coatings can be replaced with lycopodium powder and talc as other coating types create skin irritation issues. Powder-free gloves are suitable for surgeries and other sensitive procedures.

  1. Chlorinated Gloves vs. Non-chlorinated Gloves

If you decide to use powder-free gloves, you have two options to choose from – chlorinated and non-chlorinated gloves. Chlorinated gloves are treated with chlorine to make them easy to wear. While chlorinated gloves are more commonly used than non-chlorinated gloves, some people prefer to use gloves with more neutral color and less odor. Another drawback of chlorinated gloves is that they have a shorter life span and become more brittle when exposed to higher temperatures.

On the other hand, non-chlorinated gloves are closer to color to regular exam gloves and have less chlorine odor. However, these gloves are not so popular, as they have a gel coat of tiny gel/silicon particles that is added to make them easier to put on.

  1. Examination Gloves vs. Surgical Gloves

Both examination and surgical gloves are medical-grade gloves that are used during medical procedures. Medical-grade exam gloves are used for patient examinations and blood tests. These gloves can also be used as general-purpose gloves for handling incontinence, accidental spills, and messes in and around the room.

Surgical gloves, on the other hand, are used by surgeons and operating room nurses. These disposable gloves must be of high quality and be sterilized for the use in surgical procedures. Surgical gloves offer more flexibility, perfect sizing, and higher tactility.

Being one of the most trusted bulk PPE suppliers in the USA, Co-Defend offers high-quality, medical-grade examination as well as surgical gloves at affordable pricing to help people contain the spread of coronavirus.

If you’re looking to buy synthetic exam gloves online, check out the latest collection offered by Co-Defend.

How to Use Gloves Appropriately?

If used and removed properly, disposable gloves can prove to be effective in providing protection against contamination. Here are a few steps that you need to follow to get the most of your pair of gloves:

Step 1: Choose the Right Glove

When you buy synthetic disposable gloves online, choose the right gloves that fit perfectly and are designed for the intended application.

Step 2: Check for Defects

Before you buy gloves, make sure to check them for rips and punctures.

Step 3: Wash Your Hands

Gloves should never be used as an alternative to hand-washing. Always remember to wash your hands and dry them before putting on the gloves.

Step 4: Wear Gloves Properly

After washing and drying your hands, you can put your gloves on. Make sure you do not touch phones, doorknobs, or other surfaces while wearing disposable gloves.

Step 5: Remove Disposable Gloves

Under no situation, you should wash or reuse disposable gloves. Make sure you remove gloves immediately in any of the following situations wash and dry hands and then wear a fresh pair of gloves:

  • Between patients or jobs
  • When gloves become visibly dirty and contaminated
  • When gloves get torn and punctured
  • When you have used the same pair of gloves for four consecutive hours
  • After coughing, sneezing, or touching someone

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right pair of gloves for the intended use is very important to protect yourself from hazards. Your decision to choose a perfect glove depends on the application, allergic reactions, and pricing. Whether you buy synthetic disposable gloves or buy synthetic exam gloves online, you should always remember to choose a glove that perfectly fits your hand, offers more comfort, and does not cause any allergic reactions. If you’re allergic to the cornstarch-based powder in the powdered or lightly-powdered gloves, you should consider buying powder-free gloves.

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