A latex-free nitrile glove is not automatically accelerator-free. If the company is to buy gloves without rubber accelerators, this must be stated explicitly in the documentation for the specific model. The words nitrile and powder-free are not enough to determine it.
Three terms that must be kept separate
- Latex-free: refers to natural rubber latex. It does not in itself tell whether accelerators have been used.
- Powder-free: refers to powder. It is not a declaration of the absence of accelerators.
- Accelerator-free: refers to the chemical accelerators that can be used during rubber production. Check the manufacturer's specific declaration.
Knowledge Center for Allergy describes that both natural rubber and synthetic rubber such as nitrile can contain rubber chemicals. Allergy to these substances is different from latex allergy. Therefore, a change from latex to ordinary nitrile cannot alone clarify a need for accelerator-free gloves.
When is the property relevant?
Accelerator-free nitrile gloves can be relevant when an employee has been diagnosed with an allergy to rubber chemicals. The specific solution should be clarified with a doctor or dermatologist and compared with the workplace's protection requirements.
In the case of skin problems, the cause must be clarified rather than being guessed based on the glove's material. Gloves can also cause irritation with prolonged use. The term accelerator-free is therefore not a guarantee against all skin reactions, and this buying guide does not make a diagnosis.
Check these four points before ordering
- Exact model: Match the manufacturer, product name and item number between the offer, box and data sheet. A document for another model from the same brand is not sufficient.
- The specific declaration: Find the information about accelerators in the manufacturer's material. If there is doubt about a specific substance, ask for written clarification rather than interpreting a general designation as skin-friendly.
- Protection for the assignment: Accelerator Free describes a product characteristic, not a universal level of protection. Check the necessary documentation for the work task separately. Use our guide to EN 455 and EN ISO 374; for cleaning chemistry also the guide for choosing cleaning gloves.
- Fit and purchase: Once the suitability has been determined, check the size, handling and pack quantity. Save the approved item number so that a replacement item is not selected based on color or price alone.
HSE recommends selecting gloves based on the impacts, the work task and the user, as well as the manufacturer's data. A fit test does not replace an allergy investigation or documentation for protection.
A documented example from the range
ARNOMED Nitrile XTRA PURE Black is an accelerator-free model in Nordic Safety's range. The manufacturer's data sheet, revised 26 January 2026, includes the black item numbers 394-S, 394-M, 394-L and 394-XL. It states accelerator-free, powder-free and non-sterile nitrile and 100 gloves per box and 10 boxes per kolli.
The information applies to this model series. They do not document that all nitrile gloves have the same properties or that the model is suitable for every work task.
See nitrile gloves and current models, or contact us with the item number and requirements for the documentation, before the company orders.
Sources and control
- Knowledge Center for Allergy: rubber chemicals – professional basis for the distinction between rubber chemical allergy and latex allergy.
- HSE: choice of protective gloves – task, user and manufacturer data.
- ARNOWA: technical data sheet for XTRA PURE, 354/394 (PDF) – product specific documentation.
Sources and product match checked 14 October 2026. The purchasing checklist is Nordic Safety's editorial aid.
