No single glove material resists every chemical. Pick a glove material and the chemical class you are handling to see the general compatibility rating — then confirm the exact breakthrough time on the manufacturer’s permeation chart for your specific chemical and glove thickness.
General glove material guide
| Material | Strong against | Weak against |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrile | Oils, greases, fuels, aliphatics | Ketones, aromatics, chlorinated |
| Latex | Acids, bases, water-based | Most solvents, oils |
| Neoprene | Acids, bases, alcohols | Aromatics, chlorinated |
| Butyl | Ketones, esters, acids, gases | Aliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Viton (FKM) | Aromatics, chlorinated, fuels | Ketones, esters |
| PVC / Vinyl | Acids, bases, alcohols | Most organic solvents |
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FAQ
What is “breakthrough time”?
The time for a chemical to permeate through the glove at a measurable rate. It depends on the chemical, the material and the glove thickness, so always check the manufacturer’s permeation data for your exact glove.
Is a thicker glove always better?
Thicker gloves generally give longer breakthrough times but reduce dexterity. For brief, incidental contact a thinner disposable may be fine; for immersion, use a thicker chemical-resistant glove rated for that chemical.
Why isn’t my exact chemical listed?
This tool groups chemicals into classes for general guidance. Permeation behavior varies within a class, so verify the specific chemical on the SDS and the glove maker’s chart.
General guidance only, not chemical-specific permeation data. Breakthrough time depends on the exact chemical, concentration, temperature, glove brand and thickness. Always consult the glove manufacturer’s permeation chart and the chemical’s Safety Data Sheet before selecting gloves for chemical handling.
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Built and reviewed by the WC Safety editorial team (Steven Eaton). We curate and review industrial PPE against ANSI, NIOSH and OSHA standards.