Best Chemical Resistant Nitrile Gloves
Best chemical-resistant nitrile gloves in 2026 — the short answer
For most buyers the best chemical-resistant nitrile gloves are the Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800, the only pick here independently certified to EN 374 with documented chemical splash performance. For hazardous-drug compounding choose the ASTM D6978-tested Kimtech Purple Nitrile; for fentanyl and first response choose the SHOWA 6110PF EBT. Every pick below is a single-use splash glove — for chemical immersion you need a thicker supported glove with a breakthrough chart.
Chemical resistant nitrile gloves are the default disposable barrier for labs, pharmacies, automotive shops and first responders — nitrile resists oils, fuels and many solvents far better than latex or vinyl, and the best options are tested to recognized chemical standards like EN 374 and ASTM D6978. But "chemical resistant" is not a single rating: it is chemical-specific, time-specific, and limited to splash rather than immersion for any disposable glove. This guide ranks the seven best chemical-resistant nitrile gloves we cover, explains the standards that actually matter, and is honest about what nitrile resists poorly. For the full category overview, start with our complete nitrile gloves buyer's guide.
Editorial verdict — best chemical-resistant nitrile gloves overall: the Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800. It is one of the few disposable nitriles independently certified to EN 374, so its splash performance against named chemicals is documented rather than assumed. For chemo work pair it with the Kimtech Purple Nitrile (ASTM D6978). Remember: splash protection, not immersion.
VIEW ON WC SAFETY → CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →
As an Amazon Associate, WC Safety earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the date shown and are subject to change. Full affiliate disclosure.
7 best chemical-resistant nitrile gloves — full ranking
1. Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800 — Best chemical-resistant nitrile gloves overall
Thickness: 5 mil · Standard: EN 374 chemical-rated · Grade: industrial · Powder-free, accelerator content reduced
Chemical-resistant nitrile gloves have a clear leader: the Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800. It is one of the few disposable nitriles independently tested and certified to EN 374, the European standard for protection against chemicals and micro-organisms, so its splash performance against specific solvents is documented rather than assumed. Ansell positions it for laboratory, pharmaceutical and chemical-handling work where incidental splash of acids, bases and many solvents is the daily hazard. Like every disposable nitrile, it is built for short-duration splash contact, not prolonged immersion — for tank dipping or full submersion you still need a thicker supported chemical glove with a published breakthrough chart. See it on the Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800 Chemical Resistant Nitrile Gloves.
→ Read our full Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800 review · Browse the chemical-resistant gloves collection
- Independently certified to EN 374 chemical-protection standard
- Documented splash performance against named solvents
- Powder-free with reduced accelerator content for skin tolerance
- Splash protection only — not for immersion
- Premium price versus general industrial nitrile
VIEW ON WC SAFETY →CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →
2. SHOWA 6110PF EBT — Best chemical-resistant nitrile gloves for fentanyl and chemo exposure
Thickness: 4 mil · Feature: fentanyl-resistant, biodegradable (EBT) · Grade: industrial · Powder-free
Chemical-resistant nitrile gloves for high-consequence drug exposure point to the SHOWA 6110PF EBT. SHOWA publishes fentanyl-resistance data for this glove, making it a common choice for first responders, law enforcement and harm-reduction work where contact with fentanyl and its analogues is the hazard. The EBT (Eco Best Technology) formulation is engineered to biodegrade faster in biologically active landfill conditions, an unusual feature in a protective disposable. At 4 mil it is thin for the category, so treat it as splash and short-contact protection — double-glove for higher-risk tasks. See it on the SHOWA 6110PF EBT Biodegradable Nitrile Gloves.
→ Read our full SHOWA 6110PF EBT review · Browse the chemical-resistant gloves collection
- Manufacturer-published fentanyl-resistance data
- Biodegradable EBT formulation
- Powder-free and accelerator-conscious
- Thin 4 mil — double-glove for higher-risk tasks
- Splash/short-contact only, not immersion
VIEW ON WC SAFETY →CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →
3. Kimtech Purple Nitrile — Best chemo-rated chemical-resistant nitrile gloves
Thickness: 5.9 mil · Standard: ASTM D6978 chemo-drug tested · Grade: exam · Powder-free
Chemical-resistant nitrile gloves for handling hazardous drugs should carry ASTM D6978 testing, and the Kimtech Purple Nitrile does. ASTM D6978 is the standard that measures a glove's resistance to permeation by chemotherapy drugs — the same protocol referenced by USP <800> for hazardous-drug compounding. At 5.9 mil this exam-grade glove is thicker than most nitriles and is widely used in oncology pharmacy, infusion and lab settings. It remains a single-use barrier rated for the contact durations in the chemo test, not a reusable immersion glove. See it on the Kimtech Purple Nitrile Exam Gloves, 5.9 Mil, Chemo-Cleared.
→ Read our full Kimtech Purple Nitrile review · Browse the chemical-resistant gloves collection
- ASTM D6978 chemo-drug permeation tested
- Supports USP <800> hazardous-drug workflows
- Thicker 5.9 mil exam-grade barrier
- Higher cost than standard exam nitrile
- Single-use; not an immersion glove
VIEW ON WC SAFETY →CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →
4. Ansell Microflex 93-256 Mega Texture — Best high-grip chemical-splash nitrile gloves
Thickness: ~4.7 mil (varies by finger) · Texture: full Mega Texture grip · Grade: industrial · Powder-free
Chemical-resistant nitrile gloves lose their value if oily, wet hands can't hold a part, which is where the Ansell Microflex 93-256 fits. Its aggressive Mega Texture is engineered for wet and oily grip, and the orange color gives high visibility for safety-critical lines. As an Ansell chemical-splash nitrile it is aimed at automotive, manufacturing and parts-cleaning work involving oils, fuels and many solvents. It is a splash-rated disposable, so match the contact time to the chemical and step up to a supported glove for immersion. See it on the Ansell Microflex 93-256 Mega Texture Orange Nitrile Gloves.
→ Read our full Ansell Microflex 93-256 review · Browse the chemical-resistant gloves collection
- Aggressive Mega Texture for wet/oily grip
- High-visibility orange for safety-critical lines
- Ansell chemical-splash formulation
- Texture trades some fingertip feel
- Splash protection only
VIEW ON WC SAFETY →CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →
5. GLOVEWORKS HD Industrial Black Nitrile — Best heavy-gauge chemical-splash nitrile gloves
Thickness: 8 mil · Texture: raised diamond · Grade: industrial · Powder-free, latex-free
Chemical-resistant nitrile gloves for heavy splash and abuse benefit from gauge, and the GLOVEWORKS HD Industrial Black runs a full 8 mil — among the thickest disposable nitriles available. The extra material increases the splash margin against oils, greases, fuels and many solvents while the raised-diamond texture holds grip on oily parts. It is the automotive and industrial workhorse for incidental chemical contact. Thickness raises the splash barrier but does not convert a disposable into an immersion glove; for submersion use a supported chemical glove. See it on the GLOVEWORKS HD Industrial Black Nitrile Disposable Gloves.
→ Read our full GLOVEWORKS HD Industrial Black Nitrile review · Browse the chemical-resistant gloves collection
- Full 8 mil — thickest disposable splash margin here
- Raised-diamond texture grips oily, wet parts
- Latex-free and powder-free
- Heavy gauge trades fingertip dexterity
- Splash only — not for immersion
VIEW ON WC SAFETY →CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →
6. Microflex SU-690 Supreno SE — Best accelerator-free chemical-resistant nitrile gloves
Thickness: ~3.5 mil · Feature: accelerator-free formulation · Grade: exam · Powder-free
Chemical-resistant nitrile gloves can themselves cause skin reactions from chemical accelerators used in manufacturing, and the Microflex SU-690 Supreno SE removes that variable with an accelerator-free formulation. For workers with Type IV (delayed) chemical-allergy sensitivity to thiurams or carbamates, it preserves the nitrile barrier without the residual accelerators that trigger contact dermatitis. As a thinner exam-grade glove it favors dexterity and tactile work; use it where the hazard is splash plus accelerator sensitivity, and double-glove for tougher chemical tasks. See it on the Microflex SU-690 Supreno SE Accelerator-Free Nitrile Gloves.
→ Read our full Microflex SU-690 Supreno SE review · Browse the chemical-resistant gloves collection
- Accelerator-free — reduces Type IV allergy risk
- Exam-grade barrier with strong dexterity
- Powder-free
- Thin gauge favors dexterity over heavy splash
- Double-glove for aggressive chemicals
VIEW ON WC SAFETY →CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →
7. SAS Astro-Grip 7-Mil Nitrile — Best value heavy-duty chemical-splash nitrile gloves
Thickness: 7 mil · Texture: textured grip · Grade: industrial · Powder-free
Chemical-resistant nitrile gloves at a working-shop price point land on the SAS Astro-Grip 7-Mil. The heavy 7-mil gauge raises the splash margin against oils, fuels and many solvents, and the textured surface holds grip on slick parts, all at a lower per-box cost than premium lab nitriles. It is the value pick for maintenance, parts-cleaning and general chemical-splash work where you need more than a thin exam glove but don't require named EN 374 certification. Splash and short-contact protection only, like every disposable nitrile. See it on the SAS Astro-Grip Powder-Free 7-Mil Nitrile Disposable Gloves.
→ Read our full SAS Astro-Grip 7-Mil Nitrile review · Browse the chemical-resistant gloves collection
- Heavy 7 mil gauge at a value price
- Textured grip for slick, oily parts
- Powder-free industrial build
- No named EN 374 certification published
- Splash/short-contact only
VIEW ON WC SAFETY →CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →
Chemical-resistant glove standards: what the ratings actually mean
EN 374 (chemical and micro-organism protection)
EN 374 is the European standard that certifies resistance to permeation and degradation by named chemicals and to penetration by micro-organisms. A glove is tested against a chemical panel and assigned breakthrough times and performance levels. It is the gold standard for documented chemical performance in a disposable — the Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800 is one of the few nitriles certified to it. Learn the full framework in our chemical-resistant glove reference guide.
ASTM D6978 (chemotherapy-drug permeation)
ASTM D6978 measures a glove's resistance to permeation by chemotherapy drugs and is the protocol referenced by USP <800> for hazardous-drug compounding. The Kimtech Purple Nitrile is tested to it, making it the chemo-handling pick.
Breakthrough time and permeation
Breakthrough time is the measured interval before a chemical permeates the intact material to the skin side. Permeation is invisible molecular passage — distinct from penetration through a pinhole or tear. Both EN 374 and ASTM D6978 report breakthrough data, which is why ratings beat visual inspection for chemical work.
ASTM D6319 (nitrile examination gloves)
ASTM D6319 is the baseline specification for nitrile exam gloves — dimensions, tensile strength and barrier integrity (AQL). It governs exam-grade picks like the Microflex SU-690 Supreno SE but does not itself certify chemical resistance, so pair it with EN 374 or ASTM D6978 data for chemical tasks.
Related reference
Related on this site: how to choose disposable gloves: nitrile vs latex vs vinyl, nitrile gloves: the complete buyer's guide, nitrile vs latex vs vinyl gloves, best chemical resistant gloves, best cut resistant gloves for glass handling, and best purple nitrile gloves.
Why trust WC Safety
WC Safety is an independent, affiliate-supported review site. It is not a retailer: it holds no inventory, takes no orders, and earns only from qualifying purchases through clearly marked links — which never changes what a product is rated to do. Standards language is taken from the regulation text directly, and ratings are reported as the manufacturer publishes them. We run no laboratory and perform no testing of our own. Where published sources disagree, we say so and plan on the conservative figure rather than the flattering one.
Our methodology
Figures come from the regulation and the published specification, in that order. Derated numbers are calculated, not estimated. Nothing here is presented as a measured result, because we measure nothing.
Researched and written by Steven Eaton, editor of WC Safety. Steven holds no safety certification and does not test products; this page compares what manufacturers and regulators publish, with the gaps in that record marked. Last reviewed August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chemical resistant nitrile gloves?
Chemical resistant nitrile gloves are the default disposable barrier for labs, pharmacies, automotive shops and first responders — nitrile resists oils, fuels and many solvents far better than latex or vinyl, and the best options are tested to recognized chemical standards like EN 374 and ASTM D6978. But "chemical resistant" is not a single rating: it is chemical-specific, time-specific, and limited to splash rather than immersion for any disposable glove.
What is nitrile chemical-resistant gloves?
For most buyers the best chemical-resistant nitrile gloves are the Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800, the only pick here independently certified to EN 374 with documented chemical splash performance. For hazardous-drug compounding choose the ASTM D6978-tested Kimtech Purple Nitrile; for fentanyl and first response choose the SHOWA 6110PF EBT.
What is chemical gloves?
Chemical-resistant nitrile gloves lose their value if oily, wet hands can't hold a part, which is where the Ansell Microflex 93-256 fits. Its aggressive Mega Texture is engineered for wet and oily grip, and the orange color gives high visibility for safety-critical lines.
What is nitrile glove solvent resistance?
Chemical-resistant nitrile gloves for handling hazardous drugs should carry ASTM D6978 testing, and the Kimtech Purple Nitrile does. ASTM D6978 is the standard that measures a glove's resistance to permeation by chemotherapy drugs — the same protocol referenced by USP <800> for hazardous-drug compounding.
What is glove, chemical, nitrile?
Chemical-resistant nitrile gloves can themselves cause skin reactions from chemical accelerators used in manufacturing, and the Microflex SU-690 Supreno SE removes that variable with an accelerator-free formulation. For workers with Type IV (delayed) chemical-allergy sensitivity to thiurams or carbamates, it preserves the nitrile barrier without the residual accelerators that trigger contact dermatitis.
What is nitrile chemical resistant gloves?
Chemical-resistant nitrile gloves for heavy splash and abuse benefit from gauge, and the GLOVEWORKS HD Industrial Black runs a full 8 mil — among the thickest disposable nitriles available. The extra material increases the splash margin against oils, greases, fuels and many solvents while the raised-diamond texture holds grip on oily parts.
What is chemical-resistant nitrile gloves?
Chemical-resistant nitrile gloves have a clear leader: the Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800. It is one of the few disposable nitriles independently tested and certified to EN 374, the European standard for protection against chemicals and micro-organisms, so its splash performance against specific solvents is documented rather than assumed.
Leave a comment