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.

Best Chemical-Resistant Nitrile Gloves (2026)

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 stock, 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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138

OSHA 1910.138 requires employers to select hand protection from a documented chemical-hazard assessment. Chemical-rated nitrile satisfies the standard for splash and contamination hazards when matched to the chemical and contact time.

Best chemical-resistant nitrile gloves: full side-by-side comparison

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Best chemical-resistant nitrile gloves by use case

Laboratory and chemical handling

For named-chemical splash with documented breakthrough times, choose the EN 374-certified Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →

Chemotherapy and hazardous-drug compounding

USP <800> work calls for ASTM D6978 testing — the Kimtech Purple Nitrile at 5.9 mil, double-gloved per protocol. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →

Fentanyl and first response

Choose a glove with published fentanyl data — the SHOWA 6110PF EBT, double-gloved for higher-risk contact. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →

Automotive and parts-cleaning splash

Oils, fuels and solvents call for heavy gauge and grip — the GLOVEWORKS HD Industrial Black 8 Mil or high-grip Ansell Microflex 93-256. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →

Accelerator-sensitive workers

When the wearer reacts to standard nitrile, choose the accelerator-free Microflex SU-690 Supreno SE. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →

Value heavy-duty splash

For maintenance and parts work on a budget, the 7-mil SAS Astro-Grip. CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON →

What are chemical-resistant nitrile gloves?

Chemical resistant nitrile gloves are disposable gloves made from acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, a synthetic latex-free polymer that resists permeation by oils, greases, fuels and many solvents far better than natural latex. "Chemical resistant" is not absolute — resistance is specific to each chemical and to the contact time, measured as breakthrough time under standards like EN 374 and ASTM D6978. Critically, every disposable nitrile is built for incidental splash and short contact, not prolonged immersion. For submersion or sustained handling you need a thicker reusable or supported chemical glove with a published breakthrough chart, not a disposable. Compare the disposable materials in our nitrile vs latex vs vinyl guide.

What nitrile resists well — and what it resists poorly

Being honest about limits is what makes a chemical glove useful. Nitrile resists well: oils, greases, animal fats, diesel and many petroleum fuels, and a broad range of solvents, which is why it dominates automotive and industrial work. Nitrile resists poorly: ketones such as acetone and MEK, strong acids and strong bases, and some chlorinated and aromatic solvents, which can permeate quickly. No nitrile glove resists everything — always verify your specific chemical against a permeation chart rather than trusting a generic "chemical resistant" label. For chemicals nitrile handles poorly, move to neoprene, butyl or a specialized material; our chemical-resistant glove reference guide maps materials to chemical families, and the chemical-resistant gloves collection carries the alternatives.

Splash vs immersion: the rule that prevents chemical injuries

The single most important distinction in this category: disposable nitrile gloves provide incidental splash protection, not immersion protection. A thin disposable is appropriate for brief, accidental contact — a spill on the back of the hand, a wiped-up splash, short handling of a contaminated part. It is not appropriate for dipping hands into a chemical, sustained submersion, or any task where the glove sits in the chemical. Thickness extends the splash margin — an 8-mil GLOVEWORKS HD Industrial Black buys more time than a 4-mil glove — but it never converts a disposable into an immersion glove. For immersion, select a thicker reusable or supported chemical glove with a breakthrough chart matched to your exact chemical. Browse those options in the chemical-resistant gloves collection.

How to choose chemical-resistant nitrile gloves — a 5-step framework

1. Identify the exact chemical

Resistance is chemical-specific. Name the chemical (or chemical family) before anything else, then check it against a permeation chart — do not rely on a generic label.

2. Match the standard to the hazard

Lab/solvent splash → EN 374. Chemo/hazardous drugs → ASTM D6978. General splash → a documented splash-rated nitrile. The standard, not the marketing, defines the protection.

3. Confirm splash vs immersion

Disposable nitrile is splash-only. If the task involves immersion, stop and select a supported chemical glove with a breakthrough chart instead.

4. Set thickness and grip by task

3–5 mil for tactile lab work; 7–8 mil for heavy splash, oils and abuse. Add texture for oily, wet grip. Browse spreads in the nitrile gloves collection.

5. Account for the wearer and the protocol

Accelerator-sensitive? Choose accelerator-free. Hazardous drugs or fentanyl? Double-glove and follow mandatory change intervals.

Chemical-resistant nitrile gloves and OSHA hand-protection compliance

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138, employers must assess chemical and physical hand hazards and select appropriate protection — the standard names no specific glove. For chemical-splash and contamination hazards, a correctly specified chemical-rated nitrile meets the requirement when matched to the chemical and contact time; document the assessment and the breakthrough data you relied on. Chemical resistance is separate from cut resistance — for sharp hazards, nitrile disposables are not a substitute for ANSI/ISEA 105 cut-rated gloves or the broader ANSI/ISEA 138 impact standard. Browse the full hand protection range to combine protections.

Best chemical-resistant nitrile gloves: frequently asked questions

Which chemicals do nitrile gloves resist well, and which do they resist poorly?

Nitrile resists oils, greases, fuels, animal fats and many solvents far better than latex, which is why it dominates automotive and industrial work. It performs poorly against ketones (acetone, MEK), strong acids and strong bases, and some chlorinated and aromatic solvents, which can permeate quickly. Always match the specific chemical to a permeation chart rather than assuming "nitrile is chemical-proof." For a full breakdown see our chemical-resistant glove reference guide.

What is breakthrough time and why does it matter for chemical gloves?

Breakthrough time is the measured interval before a chemical permeates through the glove material to the skin side, defined under EN 374 / ASTM F739. A longer breakthrough time means more working margin before the barrier fails. It is chemical-specific: a glove may give hours against one solvent and minutes against another. For disposable nitrile, breakthrough data supports incidental splash use; for sustained contact you need a glove with a published breakthrough chart matched to your chemical.

Are disposable nitrile gloves safe for chemical immersion?

No — this is the most important rule in the category. Disposable nitrile is rated for incidental splash and short contact, not prolonged immersion. Submerging a thin disposable in a chemical defeats it quickly. For immersion (tank work, parts dipping, sustained handling) you need a thicker reusable or supported chemical glove with a documented breakthrough chart for your specific chemical. See the immersion-versus-splash guidance in our nitrile gloves buyer's guide.

What does the EN 374 chemical-protection standard actually certify?

EN 374 certifies a glove's resistance to permeation and degradation by specific chemicals and to penetration by micro-organisms. A glove is tested against a panel of named chemicals and assigned performance levels with breakthrough times for each. The Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800 is one of the few disposable nitriles independently certified to EN 374, which is why it leads this guide for documented chemical performance.

Which chemical-resistant nitrile gloves are best for handling chemotherapy drugs?

Choose a glove tested to ASTM D6978, the standard that measures resistance to permeation by chemotherapy drugs and the protocol referenced by USP <800>. The Kimtech Purple Nitrile at 5.9 mil is chemo-drug tested and widely used in oncology pharmacy and infusion settings. USP <800> also recommends double-gloving and frequent changes when compounding hazardous drugs.

Which nitrile gloves are best for fentanyl exposure?

Look for a manufacturer that publishes fentanyl-resistance data rather than a generic "chemical resistant" claim. The SHOWA 6110PF EBT publishes fentanyl-resistance data and is common in first response and harm-reduction work. Because it is a thin 4-mil disposable, double-glove and change frequently for higher-risk contact.

Should I double-glove for chemical work?

Double-gloving extends protection by adding a second barrier and is recommended in several high-consequence settings: USP <800> hazardous-drug compounding, fentanyl handling, and any task where a single thin disposable provides limited margin. It does not turn splash gloves into immersion gloves, but it buys breakthrough time and lets you remove the outer glove if contaminated without exposing skin. Pair a thin tactile inner glove with a thicker outer like the GLOVEWORKS HD Industrial Black.

Does a thicker nitrile glove give better chemical resistance?

Thickness increases the splash margin and extends breakthrough time somewhat, but it does not change which chemicals the material resists. An 8-mil nitrile like the GLOVEWORKS HD Industrial Black still permeates against acetone or strong acids — just more slowly than a 4-mil glove. For aggressive chemicals, material choice and breakthrough data matter more than raw thickness.

What is the difference between chemical permeation and penetration?

Penetration is bulk flow of a chemical through a pinhole, tear or seam — a physical defect. Permeation is the chemical passing through the intact glove material at a molecular level, which you cannot see. A glove can look perfect and still be permeated. Breakthrough time measures permeation, which is why a visual check is never enough for chemical work; rely on the rating, not appearance.

Are chemical-resistant nitrile gloves latex-free?

Yes — nitrile is a synthetic acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber with no natural latex protein, so every glove in this guide is latex-free and safe for people with latex allergies. If you are switching specifically to avoid latex, compare materials in our nitrile vs latex vs vinyl guide.

What are accelerator-free nitrile gloves and who needs them?

Accelerators are chemicals used to speed nitrile manufacturing; residual accelerators (thiurams, carbamates) can trigger Type IV delayed contact dermatitis in sensitized workers. An accelerator-free glove like the Microflex SU-690 Supreno SE removes that variable while keeping the chemical barrier. Choose it when the wearer reacts to standard nitrile rather than to the chemicals being handled.

Which chemical-resistant nitrile glove is best for solvents?

For incidental solvent splash, an EN 374-certified glove with documented breakthrough times is the safest choice — the Ansell TouchNTuff 93-800. Remember nitrile resists many solvents well but resists ketones and some chlorinated/aromatic solvents poorly, so verify your specific solvent against a permeation chart and replace gloves at the first sign of contact.

How often should I change chemical-resistant nitrile gloves?

Change immediately on any splash, tear, or suspected breakthrough, and proactively before the chemical's breakthrough time elapses. For hazardous-drug and fentanyl work, follow the change intervals in your protocol (USP <800> recommends every 30 minutes or on contamination). Never wash and reuse a disposable chemical glove — permeation may already be underway invisibly.

Do chemical-resistant nitrile gloves meet OSHA hand-protection requirements?

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.138 requires employers to select hand protection from a documented hazard assessment of the chemicals and tasks involved — it does not name a specific glove. A correctly chosen chemical-rated nitrile satisfies the standard for splash and contamination hazards when matched to the chemical and contact time. See our OSHA 1910.138 explainer for the assessment steps.

Is nitrile or neoprene better for chemical resistance?

It depends on the chemical. Nitrile excels against oils, fuels and many solvents; neoprene and butyl handle some acids, bases and ketones that defeat nitrile. No single material resists everything, which is why a permeation chart is essential. For the chemicals nitrile handles well, disposable nitrile is the efficient splash choice; for the chemicals it handles poorly, move to a specialized material and consult our chemical-resistant glove reference guide.

What thickness of chemical-resistant nitrile glove should I use?

For light splash and tactile work, 4–5 mil exam-grade gloves are appropriate; for heavier splash, oils and abuse, step up to 7–8 mil like the SAS Astro-Grip 7-Mil or GLOVEWORKS HD 8 Mil. Thickness extends margin but never converts a disposable into an immersion glove — match gauge to splash severity, and material plus breakthrough data to the chemical.

Can I reuse chemical-resistant nitrile gloves?

No. Disposable nitrile gloves are single-use, and a glove exposed to chemicals may be permeated even if it looks intact. Reusing it risks delivering the chemical to your skin. Dispose after each task or splash, and for hazardous-drug or fentanyl work follow your protocol's mandatory change intervals.