Working with your hands means exposing them daily to chemicals and potentially irritating substances. Hands are the primary “work tool” in many professions and must be carefully protected, particularly in settings requiring high hygiene standards or the handling of sensitive materials.
Among the most common issues, contact dermatitis is a leading cause of discomfort for those who wear work gloves for extended periods. This skin inflammation frequently affects professionals in the medical, food, cosmetic, and manufacturing sectors, with symptoms ranging from mild redness to more severe lesions.
Reflexx hypoallergenic gloves provide an effective solution for users with sensitive skin or specific intolerances. Free from latex, powders, and chemical accelerators, they minimise the risk of allergic reactions without compromising mechanical or chemical protection. They are also designed to offer comfort, fit, and dexterity—even during long periods of use—helping to maintain healthy skin.
The best materials to prevent allergies: nitrile, vinyl, and more
When discussing hypoallergenic gloves, the material is key to preventing allergic reactions and skin irritation. Several types are available, each offering distinct levels of protection and compatibility with the skin.
Nitrile gloves are considered the gold standard for those suffering from contact dermatitis. Made from synthetic rubber that is completely free of natural latex and its allergenic proteins, they offer excellent chemical and mechanical resistance, making them ideal for intensive applications across multiple industries.
Vinyl gloves, produced from plastic polymers and also latex-free, are recommended for short-term or low-risk use, such as light cleaning tasks.
For longer wear, cotton undergloves can improve comfort by promoting breathability and reducing sweating and friction. This simple precaution helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier, particularly for those who use disposable gloves for extended periods.
In summary, nitrile remains the most complete option for people with sensitive hands or contact dermatitis, offering a superior balance of safety, elasticity, durability, and resistance to chemicals and microorganisms. It is ideal for healthcare, industrial, and food environments, even during long use.
Vinyl is a valid latex-free alternative for shorter or low-risk applications, though its reduced elasticity and resistance make it less suitable for more demanding tasks.
Natural latex, while offering great tactile sensitivity and comfort, carries a significant risk of allergic reactions, especially for individuals prone to type I allergies. Although still used in medical environments, it is increasingly being replaced by less allergenic materials to prevent irritation and inflammation.
Glove allergies: causes and how to prevent them
Two main allergic reactions are associated with glove use: type I latex allergy and type IV allergic contact dermatitis.
Type I reactions occur when the immune system immediately responds to proteins in natural latex, causing symptoms such as hives, itching, and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties.
Type IV dermatitis is a delayed, localised reaction caused by prolonged contact with irritating chemicals found in gloves—such as vulcanisation accelerators, heavy metals, and internal powders.
This is why it is essential to choose hypoallergenic gloves designed to minimise the risk of allergies and irritation.
To address this need, Reflexx offers specialised hand protection products developed with advanced technologies and premium materials.
Reflexx Care N350: accelerator-free nitrile gloves for ultra-sensitive hands
The Reflexx Care N350 nitrile glove is formulated without sulphur or chemical accelerators such as thiurams and carbamates.
Its chlorinated inner layer and micro-rough surface make it easy to wear and provide a secure grip. The glove is latex-free, powder-free, Category III PPE certified, and suitable for medical, food, and chemotherapy drug handling applications.
Reflexx N71: practical and versatile hypoallergenic nitrile gloves
The Reflexx N71 model is designed to ensure maximum skin compatibility, eliminating heavy metals and accelerators.
With a thin 0.09 mm layer, it achieves an ideal balance between protection and tactile sensitivity, making it suitable for a wide range of uses—from light industry to food processing.
This glove is ambidextrous, single-use, powder-free, and 100% latex-free, ideal for users with type IV allergies or contact dermatitis.
Reflexx NBio: the eco-friendly option for reactive skin
The Reflexx NBio range combines the effectiveness of hypoallergenic nitrile with biodegradable technology.
In anaerobic environments—such as biologically active landfills—these gloves decompose by up to 80% in just over a year, without producing microplastics.
Free from powder and latex, they are safe for sensitive skin. ASTM D5511 laboratory testing and Category III PPE certification confirm their protective performance for both medical and food applications.
With a diverse product range and advanced materials, Reflexx offers hypoallergenic gloves capable of preventing common contact reactions while ensuring comfort, safety, and lasting protection.
Practical Tips to protect skin from glove irritation
Even when using the latest generation of hypoallergenic gloves, it’s essential to adopt a few simple but effective daily habits to protect your hands:
- Wear gloves only on clean, dry hands. Residual moisture or traces of detergents can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, increasing the risk of irritation. If your hands are sweaty, pat them dry with a clean towel before putting on gloves.
- Moisturise your skin at the end of the day. After prolonged glove use, applying a specific moisturising cream helps restore the skin’s natural protective layer. “Barrier creams” can also be applied before work as an extra layer of protection.
- Avoid harsh cleansers. When washing your hands, use mild products formulated for sensitive skin. Strong degreasing soaps strip away the skin’s hydrolipidic film, making it more vulnerable to contact reactions.
- Use cotton undergloves for extended wear. During long shifts or intensive work, natural-fibre undergloves improve breathability, reduce internal sweating, and increase comfort—especially for those with chronic dermatitis.
- Change gloves regularly and never reuse disposable ones. Damaged, contaminated, or worn-out gloves lose their protective effectiveness and can spread bacteria or irritants. Replace them frequently and avoid using them beyond the recommended time limits.
- Store gloves properly. Hypoallergenic gloves should be kept in a dry, cool place away from heat sources and UV rays, which can alter the material’s properties and reduce their protective performance.
Size and thickness: why they matter for comfort and protection
When choosing hypoallergenic gloves for sensitive hands, size and thickness are equally important for ensuring comfort and safety during use.
To determine the correct size, measure the circumference of your dominant hand (excluding the thumb) while keeping it slightly closed. This measurement, expressed in centimetres, can be compared with standard disposable glove size charts. If you fall between two sizes, it’s best to choose the larger one to allow for better movement and breathability.
An incorrect size can cause real discomfort:
- Gloves that are too tight restrict circulation, increase sweating, and raise the risk of friction and small abrasions.
- Gloves that are too loose can cause slippage, imprecise movements, and poor grip, compromising both comfort and safety.
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of expert advice. The Reflexx catalogue includes a variety of solutions for every need—from hypoallergenic formulations to certified professional models for specific industries.
Not sure which hypoallergenic glove to choose? Contact the Reflexx team for personalised guidance. They’ll help you find the PPE best suited to your needs and your sector.