Disinfectant Market Expected to Reach $17.8 Billion by 2035

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Disinfectant Market," The disinfectant market was valued at $8.6 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $17.8 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2035.

Disinfectants are chemical agents specifically formulated to kill harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, on surfaces and in environments. These substances play a crucial role in maintenance of hygiene and prevention of the spread of infections in various places, such as healthcare facilities, commercial spaces, and households. Disinfectants can be categorized into several types, including alcohol-based, chlorine-based, and quaternary ammonium compounds, each with distinct properties and applications. The efficacy of disinfectants is influenced by factors such as concentration, contact time, and the specific pathogens being targeted, making adherence to guidelines essential for achieving optimal disinfection outcomes.

The growth in sanitation standards within the food and beverage industry has significantly driven the demand for disinfectants globally. As regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) tightened hygiene protocols, manufacturers in the food industry have adopted rigorous sanitation practices, thus driving the disinfectant market growth. Disinfectants such as quaternary ammonium compounds, peracetic acid, and chlorine-based solutions play a crucial role in maintenance of cleanliness across production facilities, ensuring that food products remain uncontaminated by harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. Companies such as Kemin Industries, Inc., Ecolab and Diversey have developed advanced disinfectant solutions specifically designed for food processing environments, which helped reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and comply with government regulations.

In addition, the growth of consumer demand for safe, high-quality food products has driven companies to enhance their cleaning protocols, further boosting the disinfectant market. For instance, disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide and alcohol-based solutions are widely used in dairy and meat processing plants to meet global safety certifications such as ISO 22000. The trend has expanded the usage of disinfectants along with encouraging innovation in chemical formulations that cater to specific sanitation needs in the food and beverage sector, driving overall disinfectant market size and Disinfectant Market Share.

Even though the disinfectant market has experienced rapid growth, the high cost of advanced disinfectant solutions acts as a restraint on the global disinfectant market demand. Many of the latest disinfectant formulations, such as peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide vapor, are more expensive owing to their improved efficacy, specialized ingredients, and complex manufacturing processes. According to Disinfectant Market Trends, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in industries such as healthcare, food processing, and hospitality often find these advanced disinfectant products highly expensive, limiting the adoption of such disinfectant products. Thus, in developing regions, where cost considerations are critical, businesses tend to opt for cheaper, less effective disinfectants rather than investing in advanced solutions. The cost sensitivity factor reduces market penetration for premium disinfectant products, slowing overall market growth. As a result, manufacturers face challenges in expanding the reach of innovative disinfectant solutions, especially in price-sensitive markets.

Furthermore, technological advancements in disinfectant formulations have created significant opportunities in the global disinfectant market by improving the efficacy and safety of these products. Innovations such as nanotechnology and the development of disinfectants with extended residual activity have improved their ability to kill a wide range of pathogens, including resistant strains of bacteria and viruses. For instance, Clorox has introduced disinfectant sprays with enhanced cleaning technologies that target multiple pathogens. Similarly, products using silver ion technology have gained traction in healthcare facilities, providing long-lasting protection. These advanced formulations have reduced the need for frequent application, offering cost savings and convenience for businesses in sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and hospitality. These technological advancements have expanded the applications of disinfectants in high-risk environments, creating new growth opportunities and further strengthening the market presence of key players in various industries.

The disinfectant market is segmented into type, formulation, end user, distribution channel, and region. By type, the market is fragmented into quaternary ammonium compound, aqueous ozone disinfectants, alcohol-based disinfectants, and others. By formulation, the market is categorized into liquid, wipes, sprays, and others. By end user, the market is classified into healthcare providers, commercial users, domestic users, and others. On the basis of distribution channel, it is divided into B2B, retail outlets, online sales channel, and others. Region wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. By region, it is analyzed across North America (the U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Russia, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Argentina, and rest of LAMEA).

By type, the alcohol-based disinfectants segment dominated the global disinfectant market in 2023 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. The growth of alcohol-based disinfectants is driven by their proven efficiency, fast-acting properties, and cost-effectiveness. Consumers prefer these disinfectants owing to their ability to kill a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, without leaving behind harmful residues. The quick-drying nature and ease of use have made alcohol-based disinfectants popular in healthcare, food processing, hospitality, and public spaces where hygiene is critical in nature. Moreover, alcohol-based disinfectants are more affordable compared to other categories of disinfectants, which has contributed to the widespread adoption of this segment.

By formulation, the liquid segment dominated the global disinfectant market in 2023 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the Disinfectant Market Forecast period. Liquid disinfectants offer convenience and versatility, which has made them suitable for various applications, including healthcare facilities, schools, restaurants, and households. In addition, regulatory guidelines and public health campaigns have highlighted the importance of disinfection practices in reducing infection rates, further driving demand for liquid disinfectants. The effectiveness of liquid disinfectants against a wide range of microorganisms attracts consumers seeking reliable solutions for maintaining safe environments. Thus, manufacturers have responded by innovating formulations and improving product accessibility, contributing to the overall growth of the liquid disinfectant market.

By end user, the healthcare providers segment dominated the global disinfectant market in 2023 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. The use of disinfectants in healthcare organizations is essential for preventing the spread of infections and ensuring patient safety. Disinfectants effectively eliminate harmful pathogens on surfaces, medical instruments, and equipment, thereby reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Thus, maintaining high standards of hygiene is crucial in healthcare settings to protect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and patients undergoing surgery. Simultaneously, government regulations and guidelines focused on sanitization practices have encouraged healthcare facilities to adopt rigorous disinfecting protocols, thus driving growth in healthcare provider segment.

By distribution channel, the B2B segment dominated the global disinfectant market in 2023 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Increased regulatory compliance has prompted businesses to adopt stringent hygiene protocols, requiring the purchase of disinfectants in bulk. The convenience of B2B sales channels allows for streamlined procurement processes, which has thus made it easier for companies to maintain adequate supplies of disinfectants to ensure a safe environment for employees and customers.

Region-wise, North America is anticipated to dominate the market with the largest share during the forecast period. The demand for disinfectants in North America has increased owing to the rise on public awareness related to health and hygiene, driven by health crises and a growing focus on cleanliness in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. According to Disinfectant Market Analysis, some of the key brands operating in the region include Clorox, Lysol, Purell, and Seventh Generation, all of which have expanded their product lines to meet consumer preferences for effective disinfectants. In addition, trends such as increased online shopping for cleaning supplies and the adoption of sustainable products have influenced consumer purchasing behavior along with fueling the disinfectant market demand in North America.

The key players operating in the disinfectant industry include Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Steris Plc, Cardinal Health, Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc., Hindustan Unilever Ltd, Whiteley Corporation Limited, Johnson & Johnson, Pal International Ltd, Bio-Cide International, Inc. and 3M Company.

Key Findings of the Study

• By type, the alcohol-based disinfectants segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2023.
• By formulation, the liquid segment was the largest segment in the global disinfectant market during the forecast period.
• By end user, the healthcare providers segment was the largest segment in 2023.
• By distribution channel, the B2B segment was the largest segment in 2023.
• Region-wise, North America was the highest revenue contributor in 2023.