Sugar-Based Surfactants Market Report 2025

The sugar-based surfactants market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.04 billion in 2024 to $6.41 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to consumer demand for natural products, renewable raw material source, reduced carbon footprint, growing natural personal care products market, increasing awareness of harmful chemicals.

The sugar-based surfactants market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $8.42 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising global emphasis on sustainability, advancements in sugar-based surfactant, expansion of natural and organic products market, global expansion of biorefineries, emergence of new market players. Major trends in the forecast period include innovation in formulations, integration in household cleaning products, bio-based detergent formulations, bio-based textile processing agents, collaborations and partnerships.

The rising expenditure on cosmetics and personal care products is projected to drive the growth of the sugar-based surfactant market in the future. Personal care products refer to any items meant to be applied to any part of the human body for purposes such as washing, beautifying, enhancing attractiveness, or altering appearance. Sugar-based surfactants are commonly found in personal care products like shampoos, shower gels, and hand soaps; these surfactants generate a rich, creamy foam that helps cleanse the skin and hair by removing oil and dirt. Furthermore, increasing awareness of personal hygiene has led to higher spending on cosmetics and personal care products. For instance, in October 2023, Global Cosmetic Industry, a U.S.-based media production company, reported that in 2024, 95% of surveyed beauty enthusiasts intend to either maintain or increase their spending on beauty products compared to 2023. Therefore, the growing demand for personal care products is fueling the growth of the sugar-based surfactant market.

The sugar-based surfactants market is poised for growth due to the rising demand in the pharmaceutical industry. With a primary focus on the research, development, production, and marketing of drugs and medications, the pharmaceutical sector extensively utilizes sugar-based surfactants for their environmental sustainability, safety, biocompatibility, stability, solubility, and versatility in formulation. Notably, according to the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), the total pharmaceutical production in Europe reached $384.2 billion (€340,000 million) in 2022, marking an increase of approximately 4.95% from the previous year. The multifaceted applications of sugar-based surfactants contribute significantly to the growth of the market in the pharmaceutical industry.

Product innovation stands out as a key trend in the sugar-based surfactant market, with major companies striving to develop innovative solutions to enhance their market presence. In June 2022, Solvay SA, a France-based chemical business, introduced Mirasoft SL L60 and Mirasoft SL A60, two biosurfactants enabling the development of sustainable cosmetics. These unique products, based on rapeseed oil and sugar, boast a minimal environmental and carbon footprint. The glycolipid biosurfactants are well-suited for various beauty care applications, including shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, face washes, and creams, demonstrating a commitment to environmentally friendly and innovative solutions in the sugar-based surfactant market.

Leading companies in the sugar-based surfactants market are placing a significant focus on environmentally friendly products as part of their commitment to environmental conservation. These products, within the realm of sugar-based surfactants, are designed to be biodegradable and sustainable cleaning agents sourced from renewable sugar origins. This approach aims to minimize ecological impact while retaining effective surfactant properties. An illustrative example is the initiative by Clariant International Ltd, a Switzerland-based specialty chemicals company, in February 2022. Clariant introduced vita bio-based surfactants and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) with a minimum renewable carbon index (RCI) of 98%. Derived entirely from bio-based ethanol sourced from corn or sugarcane, these ingredients boast smaller carbon footprints compared to their fossil fuel-based counterparts. The separation of these bio-based feedstocks throughout the value chain, from cultivation to the finished consumer product, contributes to reduced CO2 emissions by up to 85%. This strategic move underscores the industry's commitment to developing environmentally friendly alternatives in the sugar-based surfactants market.

In September 2022, Stepan Company, a US-based chemical manufacturing firm, made a strategic acquisition by acquiring the surfactant business and associated assets of PerformanX Specialty Chemicals LLC. The details of the transaction, including the purchase amount, remained undisclosed. This acquisition encompasses intellectual property, business connections, and inventory as integral components. PerformanX Specialty Chemicals LLC, recognized as a U.S. Surfactants Producer, is a manufacturer specializing in surfactants and related chemicals. This acquisition aligns with Stepan Company's objectives to strengthen its position in the surfactants market and demonstrates the industry's dynamic landscape as companies seek to enhance their product portfolios and market presence.

Major companies operating in the sugar-based surfactants market include Clariant AG, Solvay SA, Evonik Industries AG, Badische Anilin und Soda Fabrik, Shanghai Fine Chemicals Co. Ltd., Stepan Company, Glycosurf Inc., Jeneil Biotech Inc., Seppic Inc., Cargill Inc., Lonza Group AG, Dow Chemicals Co., AkzoNobel NV, Kao Corporation, Galaxy Surfactants Ltd., Henkel AG & Co., Huntsman Corporation, Croda International Plc, Colonial Chemical Inc., Lubrizol Corporation, P&G Chemicals, Unilever, Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Innospec Inc., Vantage Specialty Chemicals Inc., Pilot Chemical Company, Oxiteno USA LLC, Rhodia Operations, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.

Western Europe was the largest region in the sugar-based surfactants market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the sugar-based surfactants market report forecast period. The regions covered in the sugar-based surfactants market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the sugar-based surfactants market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Sugar-based surfactants are a category of surfactants derived from natural sugars such as glucose, sucrose, and maltose. They are commonly found in personal care products. These surfactants are adept at producing a dense, creamy lather, facilitating the removal of oil and dirt from both the skin and hair.

The primary types of sugar-based surfactants include alkyl polyglycolide, decyl glucoside, sucrose cocoate, among others. Alkyl polyglucosides, for instance, are innovative surfactants synthesized by combining cornstarch with fatty alcohol, resulting in a highly biodegradable solution. These surfactants encompass various raw materials, including monomeric, dimeric, and polymeric sugar-based varieties, serving multiple applications across home and personal care, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and other industries.

The sugar-based surfactants market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides sugar-based surfactants market statistics, including sugar-based surfactants industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a sugar-based surfactants market share, detailed sugar-based surfactants market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the sugar-based surfactants industry. This sugar-based surfactants market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The sugar-based surfactants market consists of sales of nano-emulsions, micelles, nonionic surfactants, surface active agents, and anionic surfactants. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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