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Emollient Market

Report Code CH 9406
Published in Jun, 2025, By MarketsandMarkets™
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Emollient Market by Type (Esters, Fatty Alcohols, Fatty Acids, Ethers, Silicones, and Other Types), Form (Solid, Liquid), Application (Skin Care, Hair Care, Deodorants, Oral Care, and Other Applications), and Region - Global Forecast to 2030

Overview

The emollient market is projected to grow from USD 3.03 billion in 2024 to USD 4.08 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.15%. Environmental regulations are playing a significant role in shaping the emollient landscape and accelerating the transition toward environmentally friendly and biodegradable or plant-derived ingredients. Consumers favor clean-label, eco-conscious personal care products, pushing producers to use upcycled, sustainably sourced emollients with a reduced ecological footprint. This trend aligns with sustainability commitments and evolving regulatory environments, particularly in Europe, where green policies continue to tighten. This shift in consumer attitudes and purchasing behavior has prompted brands to pursue sustainable alternatives to petrochemical-based formulations to compete and deliver high performance with a lower carbon footprint, creating new formulation opportunities across the skin care, hair care, and cosmetic sector chains.

Emollient Market

Attractive Opportunities in the Emollient Market

Europe

Market growth can be attributed to the rising demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in personal care formulations across the region.

Growing demand from the skincare, hair care, and cosmetic industry is driving the global emollient market.

Product launches may offer lucrative opportunities for market players in the next five years.

Europe is expected to be the largest market for emollients during the forecast period.

Market growth in the European region can be attributed to strong consumer preference for premium and multifunctional personal care products.

Global Emollient Market Dynamics

DRIVER: Product Innovation and Differentiation

In 2023, new product development within the personal care market grew by 4.8%, with 62% of new products highlighting specialized ingredients and advanced formulation technologies. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing need for multifunctional emollients that offer benefits beyond standard moisturizing, such as anti-aging, skin barrier repair, and sensory enhancement. Technological advancements in formulation are enabling the creation of new textures and innovative application experiences, typically based on synergistic blends of emollients. Additionally, heightened consumer demands for rapid and noticeable outcomes are motivating brands to invest in high-performance emollient systems with enhanced efficacy, further distinguishing their products in an increasingly crowded market. This momentum is further propelled by the rapidly growing consumer appetite for beauty solutions that merge skin care and cosmetic benefits. Emollients have become crucial in achieving smooth application, a natural-looking finish, and daily wear for these products. Regulatory support for safer, non-irritating ingredients over irritant ones is prompting formulators to move away from harsh emollients in favor of safer and more natural options that meet clean-label and dermatologically tested standards. This approach ensures ingredient transparency while delivering excellent performance.

RESTRAINT: Regulatory Complexities and Compliance Costs

The emollient market is constrained by regulatory concerns and rising compliance costs, especially given the increased international scrutiny of ingredient safety. All chemical ingredients require manufacturers to undergo a rigorous registration process, which entails significant time and expenses when launching new products. This difficulty is further exacerbated by geographic differences in the approved list of substances and testing procedures, making it challenging for international brands to maintain consistency across markets without conforming to localized needs. There is also an increasing focus on documentation and traceability, particularly for products that advertise natural or organic emollients. Compliance with these requirements imposes an administrative burden, especially on firms with broad product ranges. Additionally, the evolving regulatory landscape concerning environmental issues, such as prohibitions on microplastics and requirements for biodegradability and ecotoxicological safety, influences the use of certain synthetic emollients. Such regulatory directives not only increase compliance costs but also limit the freedom of product innovation, presenting an ongoing challenge for manufacturers trying to navigate a complex and rapidly changing regulatory environment.

 

OPPORTUNITY: Expansion in Emerging Markets

The rising global population, driven by the burgeoning middle class across the Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East, is rapidly expanding the consumer base for high-quality personal care products, creating significant opportunities for growth in the emollients market. Increasing urbanization and the development of retail infrastructure in these emerging regions are improving product accessibility, enabling more consumers to purchase high-end skin care and hair care products featuring emollients. Higher disposable incomes in these emerging economies are prompting consumers to transition from standard personal care products to value-added formulations that offer additional benefits, like better moisturization and skin protection. Another contributing factor is the spread of cultural beauty practices, which have strong roots in many emerging markets, driving the demand for specialized emollients tailored to traditional preferences and rituals. Manufacturers are focusing on localizing formulations to effectively address diverse skin tones, climate conditions, and consumer preferences. These factors collectively present a lucrative opportunity for the emollient market.

CHALLENGES: Formulatory Complexity and Compatibility Issues

One of the major challenges for emollient manufacturers is the formulatory complexity and compatibility issues. These new preservatives often produce unexpected reactions with emollients, making it difficult to create a product. Stability is the other huge issue, as emollients must stay effective through a variety of product formats and pack shapes. This is especially challenging in terms of achievable, reproducible performance when considering the extreme climate conditions and usage environments across the globe that can impact emollient performance on skin. This relationship with active ingredients in high-performance skincare formulations is another challenge to overcome, as emollients must fit seamlessly into formulations without dragging down the performance or efficacy of these actives. These challenges create barriers for manufacturers that must be addressed in order to effectively deliver reliable, high-quality emollient-based products in the market.

Global Emollient Market Ecosystem Analysis

Prominent companies in this market include well-established, financially stable manufacturers of emollients. These companies have been in business for a while and have broad product portfolios, cutting-edge technologies, and wide international sales and marketing networks. The prominent companies in this market include BASF SE (Germany), Croda International plc (UK), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Lubrizol Corporation (US), Clariant AG (Switzerland), Eastman Chemical Company (US), Ashland Inc. (US), Innospec Inc. (US), Lonza Group (Switzerland), and Stepan Company (US).

Emollient Market
 

Based on type, the fatty acids segment accounted for the third-largest share, in terms of value, in 2024

The fatty acids segment accounted for the third-largest share, in terms of value, in 2024. Fatty acids, particularly essential fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic acid, contribute to skin repair and regeneration. These emollients can replicate the natural lipids from the skin, which provide restorative benefits to damaged skin barriers, anti-inflammatory support, and promote healthy cells. Their use is especially effective in the treatment of dry, flaky, or damaged skin. Consumers are aware of and seek products that promote skin health, making fatty acids an ideal ingredient for healing balms, barrier creams, and overnight recovery treatments. Their deep-penetrating, nourishing nature makes them a great choice for products aimed at sensitive and/or aging skin.

Based on form, solid form is projected to be the second-fastest-growing segment of the emollient market during the forecast period

The solid form is estimated to be the second-fastest-growing segment of the emollient market during the forecast period. Solid emollients are versatile and allow for the development of an extensive range of textures, from silky smooth to waxy or creamy, while providing a luxurious skin feel and lasting moisture. They mix easily with other solid or semi-solid ingredients, such as butter and wax, enabling customized formulations for oily, dry, or combination skin. Their unique ability to deliver sensory luxury and functional performance makes solid emollients an ideal choice in costly, niche, high-value cosmetic formulations.

Based on application, the skin care segment accounted for the largest share of the global emollient market

The skin care application held the largest market share in the global emollient market, in terms of value, in 2024. The rise of the aging population and the increasing interest in maintaining a youthful appearance have driven demand for skin care products that restore skin texture, elasticity, and balance. In anti-aging, emollients are fundamental ingredients that create a more youthful appearance by evening out the look of fine lines and enhancing skin suppleness through increased moisture content. In addition to supporting lipid replenishment and barrier repair, emollients can minimize wrinkle visibility and assist in skin defense against oxidative stress. When included in night creams, serums, and recovery balms, product efficacy claims grow within the premium skincare market segments.

Europe accounted for the largest market share of the emollient market, in terms of value, in 2024

Europe held the largest share of the global emollient market, in terms of value, in 2024. The European Union has some of the most stringent cosmetic regulations in the world, which have forced manufacturers to use safer, tested, and well-documented ingredients. Emollients that provide non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and biocompatible properties are urgently needed to replace current substances and meet REACH and Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. This will assure both product safety and innovation while promoting research into safer, sustainable, and less irritating emollients. Consequently, demand is increasing for naturally derived emollients that are efficacious, sustainable, and have a wide regulatory acceptance. This emphasis on compliance boosts innovation and raises product quality in various applications.

HIGHEST CAGR MARKET IN 2025–2030
SPAIN FASTEST-GROWING MARKET IN THE REGION
Emollient Market

Recent Developments of Emollient Market

  • In March 2025, BASF SE launched a new generation of renewable lipid functional emollient with an improved sustainability profile and enhanced sensorial properties.
  • In September 2024, Eastman Chemical Company invested in a new manufacturing facility to support the growing demand for specialty emollients in Asia.
  • In May 2024, Evonik Industries AG expanded its distribution agreement for Evonik’s personal care ingredients, including emollients, in the Asia Pacific region.
  • In January 2024, Croda International plc partnered with Aqia to expand the distribution of Croda’s emollient portfolio in the Latin American market.

Key Market Players

KEY PLAYERS IN THE KEYWORD INCLUDE

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Scope of the Report

Report Metric Details
Market size available for years 2020-2030
Base Year Considered 2024
Forecast period 2025-2030
Forecast units Value (USD Million) and Volume (Kiloton)
Segments covered Type, Form, Application, and Region
Geographies covered Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Middle East & Africa, and South America

Key Questions Addressed by the Report

Who are the key competitive players in the emollient industry?

BASF SE (Germany), Croda International plc (UK), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Lubrizol Corporation (US), Clariant AG (Switzerland), Eastman Chemical Company (US), Ashland Inc. (US), Innospec Inc. (US), Lonza Group (Switzerland), and Stepan Company (US).

What are the key drivers and opportunities for the emollient market?

Key drivers include growing consumer focus on skincare, rising demand for natural and sustainable ingredients, and growth in premium personal care products. Opportunities lie in expanding into emerging markets and offering advanced functional benefits.

How big is the current emollient market and what is its growth forecast?

The emollient market is projected to grow from USD 3.03 billion in 2024 to USD 4.08 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.15%.

Which strategies are the key players focusing upon in the emollient market?

Companies are adopting strategies such as product launches, partnerships, collaborations, joint ventures, acquisitions, agreements, and expansions to strengthen their market presence.

What is the future outlook for the emollient market?

The emollient market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.15% from 2025 to 2030.

What are the major emollient market challenges?

Volatility in raw material prices and challenges related to regulatory compliance and complexity are expected to hinder market growth.

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Table of Contents

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TITLE
PAGE NO
INTRODUCTION
1
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
23
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
45
PREMIUM INSIGHTS
67
MARKET OVERVIEW
87
  • 5.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 5.2 MARKET DYNAMICS
    DRIVERS
    RESTRAINTS
    OPPORTUNITIES
    CHALLENGES
  • 5.3 PORTER’S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS
    THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS
    THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES
    BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS
    BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS
    INTENSITY OF COMPETITIVE RIVALRY
  • 5.4 MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS
INDUSTRY TRENDS
114
  • 6.1 KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND BUYING CRITERIA
    KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN BUYING PROCESS
    BUYING CRITERIA
  • 6.2 SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS
    RAW MATERIAL
    MANUFACTURING PROCESS
    DISTRIBUTION
    END-USER
  • 6.3 ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS / MARKET MAP
  • 6.4 CASE STUDIES
  • 6.5 REGULATORY LANDSCAPE
    REGULATORY BODIES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES & OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
    REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
  • 6.6 TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS
    KEY TECHNOLOGIES
    - Green chemistry & bio-based emollients
    - Encapsulation & delivery systems
    COMPLEMENTARY TECHNOLOGIES
    - Skin penetration enhancer technologies
  • 6.7 TRENDS DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING CUSTOMER’S BUSINESS
  • 6.8 TRADE ANALYSIS
    IMPORT DATA
    EXPORT DATA
  • 6.9 KEY CONFERENCES & EVENTS IN 2025-2026
  • 6.10 PRICING ANALYSIS
    AVERAGE SELLING PRICE TREND, BY REGION
    AVERAGE SELLING PRICE OF EMOLLIENT BY KEY PLAYERS, BY APPLICATION, 2024
  • 6.11 INVESTMENT AND FUNDING SCENARIO
  • 6.12 PATENT ANALYSIS
    APPROACH
    DOCUMENT TYPE
    LEGAL STATUS OF THE PATENTS
    JURISDICTION ANALYSIS
    TOP APPLICANTS
  • 6.13 IMPACT OF 2025 US TARIFF – EMOLLIENT MARKET
    INTRODUCTION
    KEY TARIFF RATES
    PRICE IMPACT ANALYSIS
    IMPACT ON COUNTRY/REGION
    - US
    - Europe
    - Asia Pacific
    IMPACT ON END-USE INDUSTRIES
  • 6.14 IMPACT OF AI/GENAI ON EMOLLIENT MARKET
EMOLLIENT MARKET, BY TYPE
154
  • 7.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 7.2 ESTERS
  • 7.3 FATTY ALCOHOLS
  • 7.4 FATTY ACIDS
  • 7.5 ETHERS
  • 7.6 SILICONES
  • 7.7 OTHER TYPES
EMOLLIENT MARKET, BY FORM
167
  • 8.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 8.2 SOLID
  • 8.3 LIQUID
EMOLLIENT MARKET, BY APPLICATION
181
  • 9.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 9.2 SKIN CARE
  • 9.3 HAIR CARE
  • 9.4 DEODORANTS
  • 9.5 ORAL CARE
  • 9.6 OTHER APPLICATIONS
EMOLLIENT MARKET, BY REGION
199
  • 10.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 10.2 ASIA PACIFIC
    CHINA
    JAPAN
    INDIA
    SOUTH KOREA
    REST OF ASIA PACIFIC
  • 10.3 EUROPE
    GERMANY
    UK
    FRANCE
    ITALY
    SPAIN
    REST OF EUROPE
  • 10.4 NORTH AMERICA
    US
    CANADA
    MEXICO
  • 10.5 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
    GCC
    - Saudi Arabia
    - UAE
    - Rest of GCC
    SOUTH AFRICA
    REST OF MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
  • 10.6 BRAZIL
  • 10.7 ARGENTINA
  • 10.8 REST OF SOUTH AMERICA
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
210
  • 11.1 INTRODUCTION
  • 11.2 KEY PLAYERS' STRATEGIES/ RIGHT TO WIN
  • 11.3 MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS
  • 11.4 REVENUE ANALYSIS (2020-2024)
  • 11.5 COMPANY VALUATION AND FINANCIAL METRICS
  • 11.6 BRAND/PRODUCT COMPARISON
  • 11.7 COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX: KEY PLAYERS, 2024
    STARS
    EMERGING LEADERS
    PERVASIVE PLAYERS
    PARTICIPANTS
    COMPANY FOOTPRINT: KEY PLAYERS, 2024
    - Company Footprint
    - Region Footprint
    - Type Footprint
    - Form Footprint
    - Application Footprint
  • 11.8 COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX: STARTUPS/SMES, 2024
    PROGRESSIVE COMPANIES
    RESPONSIVE COMPANIES
    DYNAMIC COMPANIES
    STARTING BLOCKS
    COMPETITIVE BENCHMARKING: STARTUPS/ SMES, 2024
    - Detailed List of Key Start-ups/SMEs
    - Competitive Benchmarking of Key Start-ups/SMEs
  • 11.9 COMPETITIVE SCENARIO
    PRODUCT LAUNCHES
    DEALS
    EXPANSIONS
    OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
COMPANY PROFILE
222
  • 12.1 MAJOR PLAYERS
    BASF SE
    - Business Overview
    - Products Offered
    - Recent Development
    - MnM View
    CRODA INTERNATIONAL PLC
    EVONIK INDUSTRIES AG
    LUBRIZOL CORPORATION
    CLARIANT AG
    EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    ASHLAND INC.
    INNOSPEC INC.
    LONZA GROUP
    STEPAN COMPANY
  • 12.2 STARTUPS/SMES
ADJACENT & RELATED MARKET
234
APPENDIX
243
  • 14.1 DISCUSSION GUIDE
  • 14.2 RELATED REPORTS

 

The study involved four major activities in estimating the size of the emollient market. Exhaustive secondary research was done to collect information on the market, the peer market, and the parent market. The next step was to validate these findings, assumptions, and sizing with industry experts across the value chain through primary research. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were employed to estimate the complete market size. After that, the market breakdown and data triangulation procedures were used to estimate the market size of the segments and subsegments.

Secondary Research

Secondary sources used in this study included annual reports, press releases, and investor presentations of companies; white papers; certified publications; articles from recognized authors; and gold standard & silver standard websites such as Factiva, ICIS, Bloomberg, and others. The findings of this study were verified through primary research by conducting extensive interviews with key officials such as CEOs, VPs, directors, and other executives. The breakdown of the profiles of the primary interviewees is illustrated in the figure below.

Primary Research

The emollient market comprises several stakeholders, such as raw material suppliers, end-product manufacturers, and regulatory organizations in the supply chain. The demand side of this market is characterized by key opinion leaders in various applications for the emollient market. The supply side is characterized by advancements in technology and diverse application industries. Various primary sources from both the supply and demand sides of the market were interviewed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information.

Breakdown of Primary Participants

Emollient Market

Note: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 companies are classified based on their market revenue in 2023/2024, available in the public domain, product portfolios, and geographical presence.

Other designations include consultants and sales, marketing, and procurement managers.

To know about the assumptions considered for the study, download the pdf brochure

COMPANY NAME DESIGNATION
BASF SE Senior Manager
Croda International plc Innovation Manager
Evonik Industries AG Vice President
Lubrizol Corporation Production Supervisor
Clariant AG Sales Manager

Market Size Estimation

Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the total size of the emollient market. These methods were also used extensively to estimate the size of various subsegments in the market. The research methodology used to estimate the market size includes the following:

  • The key players in the industry have been identified through extensive secondary research.
  • The supply chain of the industry has been determined through primary and secondary research.
  • All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns have been determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.
  • All possible parameters that affect the markets covered in this research study have been accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain the final quantitative and qualitative data.
Emollient Market

Data Triangulation

After arriving at the overall market size—using the market size estimation processes as explained above—the market was split into several segments and subsegments. To complete the overall market engineering process and arrive at the exact statistics of each market segment and subsegment, data triangulation and market breakdown procedures were employed, wherever applicable. The data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from both the demand and supply sides in the emollient industry.

Market Definition

Emollients are one of the largest categories of highly functional specialty ingredients effectively used in cosmetic and personal care formulations to impart soft, smooth, hydrated skin. Emollients work by forming an oily water-repellent layer on the skin’s surface, helping to seal up moisture close to the skin’s surface, improving the skin’s texture and appearance. Emollients are a key ingredient in numerous specialty chemicals used in thousands of skincare, hair care, and personal care products, from pharmaceuticals to consumer-produced goods, in industries ranging from beauty, fashion, and entertainment.

Stakeholders

  • Emollient Manufacturers
  • Emollient Distributors
  • Raw Material Suppliers
  • Service Providers
  • Government and Research Organizations

Report Objectives

  • To define, describe, and forecast the market size for emollients in terms of value
  • To provide detailed information about drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the market growth
  • To analyze and forecast the emollient market by type, form, and application
  • To forecast the market based on key regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America
  • To strategically analyze the micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the overall market
  • To track and analyze recent developments, such as product launches, deals, expansions, and other developments, in the market
  • To analyze the opportunities for stakeholders in the market and provide a competitive landscape for market leaders
  • To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their market shares and core competencies

 

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