What's the Difference Between Powdered and Powder-Free Gloves?

Here at SafetyGloves.co.uk, we get a lot of questions about the chief differences between powdered and powder-free gloves. Naturally, we thought the best way to answer your questions was to put them all in one place.

In this guide to Powdered and Powder-Free Disposable Gloves we'll give you the lowdown on both styles and discuss their unique benefits, perks and application suitability. We've also thrown in a few handy recommendations based on the expert information our favourite suppliers have given us.

What Exactly Does This Guide Cover?

We get that the more intricate differences between powdered and powderless gloves can be difficult to get your head (and hands) around. If you're unsure of what you need, we recommend browsing until you find the information you're after.

If you already know what you're looking for, click any one of the quick links below and jump right in.

Information Centre

• What Is the Difference?
• Does Powder Affect a Glove's Performance?
• All You Need to Know About Powder-Free Gloves
• All You Need to Know About Powdered Gloves
• Expert Recommendations for Powder-Free Gloves
• Expert Recommendations for Powdered Gloves
• A Selection Of Our Favourite Disposable Gloves
• The Final Verdict

Expert Product Recommendations

• Best Disposable Gloves for Mechanics
• Best Disposable Gloves for Sensitive Skin
• Best Disposable Gloves for Food Preparation
• Best Disposable Gloves for Cleaning
• Best Disposable Gloves for Doctors
• Best Disposable Gloves for Chemical Handling
• Best Disposable Gloves for Tattoo Artists
• Best Disposable Gloves for Sweaty Hands
• Best Disposable Gloves for Kitchens
• Best Latex Disposable Gloves
• Best Nitrile Disposable Gloves

What Is the Difference at a Glance?

Without going into too much detail at this stage, the main difference between powdered and powderless gloves is that powdered gloves contain a starched powder that absorbs sweat, and powderless or powder-free gloves don't.

For users with sweaty hands, this powder is a must, as it helps prevent the build up of odour and residue inside the glove as they work. For others, this powder can irritate their skin, causing irritation, rashes and blotching. 

Does Powder Affect A Gloves Performance?

If you are unsure about whether powdered or powderless gloves are best for you and your work, we've created this handy little guide below to help you.

Simply locate the factor you're most concerned with, see what we score it out of five and choose based on the result.

Breaking Down the Differences

If you've got a specific question, we've put this section together to answer it. We've consulted the industry experts and used all our years of experience to collect information that better explains the unique benefits of both styles of glove.

Please continue reading for more information on both. 

All About Powder-Free Gloves

What Are Powder-Free Gloves? 

Powder-Free Gloves are disposable gloves that do not contain any powdered cornstarch. Unlike certain powdered gloves, they're highly skin-friendly, far stronger and a lot more versatile.

Key Features and Benefits

✔ Super strong and durable for tougher industries
✔ More versatile with food, chemical, oil and water resistance
✔ Powder-free design reduces contamination risk (ideal for food use!)
✔ More skin friendly than powdered gloves
✔ High level of grip and dexterity for handling and tricky work

Who's Using Them?

✔ Food, catering and processing industries (see our Food Powder-Free range)
✔ Lab and scientific industries (see our Lab and Scientific Powder-Free range)
✔ Hair and beauty industries (see our Hair and Beauty Powder-Free range)
✔ Mechanics industries (see our Mechanics Powder-Free range) 

What Are Powder-Free Gloves Made From? 

Powder-free gloves can be made using nitrile, vinyl and latex. If you have a preference, we recommend checking a gloves product page for more information before purchasing.

Our Favourite Powder-Free Gloves

To make sure you're getting the best option possible, we contacted the experts to give you the best possible options for your workplace. Take a look at our favourites, below.

Black Mamba Disposable Nitrile Gloves BX-BMG

(132)

• Super strong disposable gloves for mechanical, chemical and automotive use
• Offer three times the chemical resistance of latex and vinyl
• Made to grip and protect with high sensitivity and dexterity
• Price is per box of 100 gloves

In stock now

£12.30

Details

Aurelia Bold Medical Grade Black Nitrile Gloves

(31)

• Price is per box of 100 gloves
• Nitrile constructed gloves for added protection and strength
• Black design with micro-texture for secure grip
• Latex-free, ambidextrous gloves

In stock now

£4.50

Details

Polyco GL890 Bodyguards Medical Gloves for Virus Protection

(86)

• Medical grade disposable gloves for virus protection
• Designed for medical, food and care industries
• Certified to EN 455 and virus certified to EN 374
• Price is per pack of 100 disposable gloves

In stock now

£5.80

Details

Grippaz Orange Semi-Disposable Nitrile Grip Gloves (Pack of 50)

(9)

• Orange semi-disposable nitrile grip gloves (pack of 50 gloves)
• Ideal for automotive engineering industries, domestic cleaning and more
• Constructed from durable 100% NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber)
• Resistant to oil, brake fluid, hydrogen peroxide and more

In stock now

£3.85

Details

Cardinal Health Protexis Latex Essential Sterile Powder Free Surgical Gloves

(2)

• Price is per box of 50 pairs
• Powder-free latex glove great for general surgery
• Smooth grip and enhanced sensitvity
• Suitable for general surgery, top layer when double gloving and more

In stock now

£26.66

Details

Shield GD05 Powder-Free Latex Gloves

(3)

• Price is for one dispenser of 100 gloves
• Disposable powder-free latex gloves
• Textured surface for improved grip
• Available in five sizes to fit most users

In stock now

£4.96

Details

Ansell TouchNTuff 92-600 Disposable Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves (Box of 100)

(10)

• Price is per box of 100 disposable gloves
• Splash resistant against hazardous chemicals
• Powder-free nitrile gloves for versatile use
• Suitable for use with food

In stock now

£13.74

Details

Polyco Bodyguards 4 Latex Powder Free GL888 Disposable Gloves

(3)

• Price is per box of 100 disposable gloves
• Ideal for janitorial, pharmaceutical and hair and beauty work
• Provides protection against dirt and dust contamination
• Made with the highest quality natural latex on the market

In stock now

£4.65

Details

Polyco Finite P Indigo AF Nitrile Disposable Gloves MFNP100

(11)

• Price is per dispenser of 100 gloves
• Ideal choice for users with dermatitis or eczema
• Latex-, powder- and accelerant-free design
• Rolled cuff to prevent liquid rollback

In stock now

£8.99

Details

All About Powdered Gloves

What Are Powdered Gloves? 

Unlike powder-free gloves, the fabric inside Powdered Gloves is lightly coated using cornstarch. This is designed to improve grip, reduce sweating and speed up the application process.

They're extremely popular with cleaners and are widely used in fast paced industries as they can be applied and removed quickly.

What Are the Benefits of Powdered Gloves?

✔ Powdered design makes donning far easier
✔ More affordable than their powder-free counterparts
✔ More comfortable especially on a hot day
✔ You expect to have to replace your gloves regularly
✔ Reduce sweating as powder soaks up the starch

Who's Using Them?

✔ Busy and fast paced environments (see our Busy and Fast Paced Powdered range)
✔ Cleaning industries (see our Cleaning Industries range) 

What Are Powdered Gloves Made From?

Here at SafetyGloves.co.uk, we sell nitrile, latex and vinyl powdered gloves. 

Our Favourite Powdered Gloves

To guarantee we're recommending the best gloves possible, we contacted the experts to get their input. Take a look at the best powdered disposable gloves they recommended, below.

Portwest A910 Powdered Latex Disposable Gloves

(6)

• Genuine natural rubber offers high strength
• Combines superior dexterity with superior comfort
• Ideal for use in highly tactile applications
• Price shown is per box containing 100 gloves

In stock now

£3.79

Details

Ansell TouchNTuff 92-500 Disposable Nitrile Gloves

(4)

• Price is per box of 100 disposable gloves
• Splash resistant against hazardous chemicals
• Nitrile gloves with textured fingertips for versatile use
• Rolled beaded cuff for more secure wear

In stock now

£14.99

Details

Polyco Bodyguards 4 Latex Powdered GL818 Disposable Gloves

(5)

• Price is per dispenser box containing 100 gloves
• Ideal for janitorial, pharmaceutical and hair and beauty
• Provides protection against dirt, dust and contamination
• Lightly powdered natural latex is perfect for inspection

In stock now

£4.20

Details

Supertouch Powdered Vinyl Gloves - Industrial 1110

(2)

• Price is per dispenser of 100 gloves
• Latex free
• High quality polyvinyl chloride
• Smooth finish

In stock now

£3.20

Details

Shield2 GD47 Clear Powdered Vinyl Disposable Gloves (Pack of 100)

• Powdered disposable gloves made of durable PVC plastisol
• Approved for food manufacturing and preparation, janitorial work, hair and beauty
• Powdered for ease donning and to absorb perspiration
• Latex-free for reduced risk of allergic reactions

In stock now

£1.82

Details

Some Of Our Favourite Disposable Gloves

Below we've put together a section designed to showcase a selection of gloves that are tried, tested and loved by our customers. If you don't believe us, check out the reviews!

Black Mamba Disposable Nitrile Gloves

Ideal for: Mechanics, Cleaning, Nail Technicians and Tattoo Artists

Powdered?

✗ No (see gloves that are)

What We Love Most...

✔ Unbeatable when it comes to grip stability 
✔ Textured fingertips ensure the tools of your trade stay in hand
✔ A full nitrile coating that's three times more protective than latex and vinyl

Customer Verdict:

• "These gloves are very strong, they don’t tear when filing or let any chemicals seep through and they have excellent grip" - Kay, Nail Technician ★★★★★
• "I bought a box of these and they are brilliant. You can feel how tough they are compared to cheaper brands. They might be a bit more expensive but they do the job" - Laura, Postal Worker ★★★★★
• "I bought these off my own back. One negative - I will never use them all, one pair lasts forever" - John, Online Delivery Driver ★★★★★

Editor's Verdict: If you're in the market for scratch and scuff resistance gloves, look no further. Black Mamba Gloves are our number one when it comes to durability. Unrivalled due to their thick nitrile foundation fabric, you'll struggle to get through a whole box. 

Polyco GL890 Bodyguards Medical Gloves for Virus Protection

Ideal for: Virus protection, Doctors, Patient Examination and Care Homes

Powdered?

✗ No (see gloves that are)

What We Love Most...

✔ Certified under EN 374-5 for virus reduction
✔ Thin and slender design is perfect for patient examination
✔ Robust design holds up to contact with common chemicals

Customer Verdict:

• "Your gloves has good quality. We use them at hair and beauty sector. We will purchasing more later" - Andres, Hair and Beauty Professional ★★★★★
• "My wife is very seriously ill, so the gloves were ordered to help me with caring for her. The order was met promptly and delivered with equal speed" - Graham, Carer ★★★★★
• "Excellent value. Use them daily for gardening, DIY and bike maintenance. Good feel for doing delicate work. Strong and always manage to reuse several times before disposal" - Brian, Home User ★★★★★

Editor's Verdict: Polyco GL890 Disposable Gloves are our number one when it comes to virus protection. As you can see from the reviews above, they're also resilient and robust enough to be used by mechanics, gardeners and hair and beauty professionals. Their strong blue nitrile foundation is accredited under EN 455, making them our number one choice for healthcare professionals. 

Polyco Bodyguards 4 Latex Powdered GL818 Disposable Gloves

Ideal for: Sweaty Hands, DIY and Home Use, Janitors, Cleaners, Hair and Beauty Professionals and Salons

Powdered?

✔ Yes (see gloves that aren't)

What We Love Most...

✔ Best option for quick application and swift removal
✔ Lightly powdered design absorbs sweat, perspiration and dirt
✔ Great for keeping in your tool box at home for DIY
✔ Actively prevents the transfer of dirt and grime
✔ Latex foundation has a higher puncture resistance than competitor fabrics

Customer Verdict:

• "Been using these gloves for several years, light gardening, cleaning the bikes, etc. They are of good durable quality" - William, DIY Enthusiast★★★★★
• "The best for all tasks. Excellent quality for all activities in the house and garden" - Frederic, Home User ★★★★★

Editor's Verdict: Thanks to their sweat absorbent powdered interior, Polyco BodyGuards GL818 Disposable Gloves are are a great choice for getting jobs done around the home. Their puncture-proof latex foundation fabric means they'll hold up to the rigours of inside and outside work. Their snug and close fit makes them just as good for hairdressers and barbers who require a tonne of dexterity. 

Supertouch Powdered Latex Gloves - Industrial Grade 1050

Ideal for: Cleaning, Animal Handling, Dexterity Based Tasks and Decorators

Powdered?

✔ Yes (see gloves that aren't)

What We Love Most...

✔ Snug fit is ideal for dexterity based tasks
✔ Powdered interior is ideal for sweaty hands
✔ Slender design is great for decorating and DIY

Customer Verdict:

• "It has been multiple times when I've bought these gloves. There are just perfect for my needs - as a decorator as well as other works in my job and around the house. I strongly recommend this product" - Michal, Painter and Decorator ★★★★★
• "As a hobby beekeeper, I have been wearing latex gloves in my colony management for many years. Pre-powdered ones are certainly easy to put on rather than applying talc to the hands" - David, Hobbyist Beekeeper ★★★★★

Editor's Verdict: Supertouch Powdered Latex Gloves are our number one choice for tough tasks. If you're undertaking tasks that require you wear gloves for a prolonged period, you're in good hands. With a powdered interior for sweat absorption and a puncture proof foundation of robust latex, there's no better option for demanding tasks like decorating and clearing animals out.  

Aurelia Bold Black Nitrile Gloves

Ideal for: Sensitive Skin, Water Exposure, Epoxy Handling, Grease and Oil Exposure and Food Industries

Powdered?

✗ No (see gloves that are)

What We Love Most...

✔ Medically accredited with great all-round tensile strength
✔ Powder and latex free for those with irritation prone skin

Customer Verdict:

• "Used these particular gloves for doing mechanic tasks for a long time. Work great; tough, easy to put on, even swapping pairs with a sweaty hand. Resistant to oil, fuel, grease, brake and clutch cleaner, most solvents. If caught on hot exhaust, don't shrink into a molten blob. Great for this particular occupation" - Chris, Mechanic  ★★★★★
• "Our business is marine engineering and my engineers swear by these gloves. Having used many industry leading gloves, find these to be strong and lasting" - Alistair, Engineer★★★★★

Editor's Verdict: We don't have enough space to list all their incredibly properties here, but we'll try. Accredited as safe for contact with food, their tensile strength is unrivalled when it comes to contact with water and other light chemicals. Aurelia Bold Gloves are black by design, making them excellent for oil and grease exposure and their powder and latex free design makes them our number one for eczema and users with sensitive skin.

The Final Verdict

Both Powdered Gloves and Powder Free Gloves can be found in our Vinyl, Nitrile and Latex categories. If you work in a hospital or doctors surgery, we recommend taking a look at powder-free gloves that are certified to safety standards EN 455 or EN 374. Both styles can be found and used in garages and factories across the UK depending on their tensile strength and durability.

Powdered gloves tend to be easier to don, with the cornstarch underneath the surface helping to reduce discomfort and reduce sweating. They are fantastic in fast paced industries, making them well suited to hair and beauty and cleaning. They are a little more affordable too, making them ideal for any person looking to cut a few costs.

Alternatively, powder-free gloves tend to be ideal for Sensitive Skin, and their stronger design proves perfect for more mechanical industries such as engineering and mechanics. As powder-free gloves come with a reduced contamination risk, they are popular within the food industries too. Finally, powder-free gloves usually come with better resistance to chemicals, water and oil. 

The Full Range

If you have decided that you want to go ahead and buy some disposable powdered or powder-free gloves then you're in the right place. Check out our wide range of Powdered and Powder-Free Gloves on our site.

If you have any questions, you can either comment below or find us on Facebook and Twitter!