For form, fit and function, latex gloves are the best. 

Provide superior barrier protection and are durable.

CAUTION:  Latex gloves contain natural rubber latex that may cause allergic reactions.  Do not use latex gloves if you or someone you may come in contact with is allergic to latex.  Use a synthetic alternative such as vinyl or nitrile.

Vinyl gloves are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

 Popular alternative to latex because they are latex free and inexpensive. 

Downside:   Vinyl is not as durable and provides poor barrier protection.

Nitrile is an elastic material similar to latex, but is NOT latex. Nitrile gloves are usually BLUE. 

More puncture and abrasion-resistant than vinyl and latex. 

 Popular with healthcare providers, mechanics and persons involved in industrial applications. 

Downside:   Nitrile is more expensive than latex or vinyl.  
 

Chloroprene gloves are made of an elastic synthetic material more commonly known as neoprene.

Aimed at the medical and laboratory markets.  More puncture resistant than vinyl or latex, yet with better stretch and comfort than nitrile or vinyl. 

Downside:   More expensive than vinyl or latex, not as durable as nitrile

P/E gloves are made from high density plastic (loose sandwich bag-type gloves commonly used by food service workers).

This is the preferred glove by food service establishments because it’s inexpensive while giving the appearance that workers are using some type of barrier protection.

Downside:   A virus or food borne bacteria can easily pass through the glove.

All medical grade gloves have FDA oversight and approval.

Medical grade gloves are mandatory for anyone coming in contact with blood borne pathogens (blood, urine, saliva, etc.).

If the box does not say “EXAM”, it is not medical grade.

A term used to distinguish disposable gloves used for industrial or non-medical purposes. 

Industrial grade gloves are popular in industrial and food service markets were there are no blood borne pathogen issues.

Cornstarch is used to powder gloves, which helps with donning.

Powdered gloves are usually 35% less expensive than powder free. 

Downside:   Powder can go airborne during donning and removal, which can be inhaled into the lungs.  Anything attached to the powder is also inhaled.  This is one reason why powder free gloves are more popular.

Powder free gloves have risen in popularity because of latex allergies.  Power free gloves generally have lower protein levels than powdered gloves, so the risk of latex allergy is less. 

Since powder free gloves do not have powder, the chance of latex proteins attaching to the powder and going airborne is virtually eliminated. 
 

Downside:   Powder free gloves are more expensive than powdered gloves due to extra steps in the manufacturing process.