Powder free gloves are generally available as powder free nitrile / vinyl gloves, or powder free latex gloves, but may also be marketed as ‘powder free disposable gloves’. The use of powder free gloves rather than gloves with added cornstarch powder has been linked with a reduction in skin complaints in users sensitive to latex. While cornstarch makes the gloves easier to apply and prevents tearing, powder free disposable gloves are now becoming mandated in many health care facilities as a way of minimizing risk to those that need to frequently wear nitrile or latex gloves, or staff that need to apply the gloves over wet hands.

Healthcare workers use powder free gloves to reduce the spread of infection and disease when caring for patients. Powder free disposable gloves also protect workers from exposure to chemicals, bodily fluids and other potentially dangerous substances, by creating an effective , impervious barrier. By wearing powder free disposable gloves and following health and safety procedures, wearers can protect themselves and clientele from exposure to and transmission of pathogens, virus, bacteria and biologically hazardous materials. Powder free gloves are also suitable for people working in theraputic industries, or in settings where they may come into contact with bodily fluids and waste. In the case of powdered gloves, a powder such as cornstarch is added to the gloves to make them easier to put on or remove.

Cornstarch dries moist hands and prevents tearing but has been shown to aggravate latex allergies by binding to the latex proteins and introducing the allergen directly into the skin. Allergic reactions caused by latex exposure can range from irritation, and itching to more severe cases resulting in anaphylactic shock. Many major medical facilities have made the switch to powder free latex gloves and other forms of powder free disposable gloves to minimize the risk posed by powdered latex gloves in latex sensitive staff and patients.

Injuries caused by frequent use of latex gloves amounts to a workplace injury, and is taken seriously by employers seeking to protect the health and well being of their staff. Powder free gloves are available in a range of sizes with additional features to make their use more comfortable for the wearer. Some powder free gloves offer contoured palms and extra small sizing for a more snug fit, which is important when working with delicate equipment, or with liquids.

Also suitable for wet work are the textured fingertips that allow for more grip when wearing gloves while using liquids or wet tools. Some powder free gloves include the addition of moisturizers to soothe skin and prevent drying which leads to breaks in the skin and the potential for transmission of virus and bacteria. Different thicknesses offer differing levels of protection. Thicker gloves are less dexterous and flexible, and are more suited to applications not requiring fine motor skill, or tasks where users need protection from acids, bases, solvents, grease and animal fats, such as cleaning, mechanical tasks and food service. Thicker gloves are also recommended to emergency health care providers who are working in dangerous or hazardous conditions, and need protection from chemical spills, sharp objects and rough surfaces.