The Nitrile Rubber Glove Oxymoron

Understanding Nitrile Rubber Gloves

The term “nitrile rubber gloves” often causes confusion—and for good reason. When most people say “rubber gloves,” they are usually not referring to natural rubber latex at all. In modern use, they are almost always talking about nitrile gloves.

The Rubber Glove Paradox

Nitrile gloves are made from nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), which is a synthetic rubber, not natural rubber latex. This is where the terminology gets misleading. Traditionally, “rubber gloves” meant gloves made from natural latex derived from rubber trees. Today, however, latex gloves are far less common in many workplaces, while nitrile has become the default.

As a result:

• People say “rubber gloves”

• They usually mean nitrile gloves

• Even though nitrile contains no natural rubber latex

Why the Terminology Stuck

Nitrile is technically a rubber—just a synthetic one—so calling them “nitrile rubber gloves” is chemically accurate. The confusion comes from everyday language, where “rubber” is commonly assumed to mean latex, even when it doesn’t.

In practical terms, when someone asks for rubber disposable gloves today, they are almost always referring to nitrile gloves, whether they realize it or not.

For clarity when sourcing or purchasing gloves, it’s always best to use the term “nitrile gloves” rather than “rubber gloves,” especially in professional or regulated environments. If you need help identifying the correct glove type or labeling, Inland Empire Safety & Supply can help ensure you’re getting exactly what you intend to buy.

In need to read more PPE blogs? Click here to discover the importance of nitrile medical gloves, their ratings, and how to identify quality products for healthcare settings.