Emollient Market Expected to Reach $1.4 billion by 2033—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Emollient Market by Product Type, and Region: Opportunity Analysis and industry forecast, 2023–2033”, the emollient market size was valued at $0.8 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $ 1.4 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2033.

Introduction

An emollient is a key ingredient in personal care products, designed to soften, smooth, and hydrate the skin or hair by forming a protective barrier to retain moisture. In the context of personal care, silicones and esters are two prominent types of emollients. Silicones, such as dimethicone and amodimethicone, provide a silky, non-greasy texture, improve spreadability, and enhance shine and smoothness in haircare and skincare products. Esters, derived from the reaction of acids and alcohols, offer excellent moisturizing properties, lightweight textures, and improve the absorption of active ingredients. These emollients are widely used in lotions, creams, serums, and conditioners, contributing to product performance, sensory appeal, and consumer satisfaction.

Market Dynamics

The rise in consumer demand for products offering superior sensory attributes drives the usage of emollient in personal care products. Silicones, such as dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane, provide a silky, non-greasy feel and enhance spreadability, making them ideal for lightweight skincare formulations and high-performance cosmetics. Similarly, esters such as isopropyl myristate contribute to a smooth, velvety texture that consumers associate with premium quality. With increase in awareness and exposure to global beauty trends, consumers expect their personal care products to deliver a luxurious experience, further fueling the demand for these versatile ingredients. All these factors are expected to drive the demand for the emollient market during the forecast period.

The production and procurement of silicones and esters are subject to supply chain fluctuations influenced by geopolitical factors, raw material availability, and global economic conditions. For instance, esters derived from renewable sources such as plant oils are vulnerable to price volatility due to agricultural dependencies and climate change. Similarly, silicones, often manufactured in large-scale industrial setups, face supply constraints due to energy costs, trade restrictions, and industrial capacity limitations. These economic and logistical challenges result in higher costs for manufacturers, which are often passed on to consumers, affecting product competitiveness in price-sensitive markets. All these factors hamper the emollient market growth.

Modern consumers seek efficiency in their beauty routines, driving demand for multifunctional products that combine multiple benefits in a single formulation. Silicones and esters are at the forefront of this trend due to their ability to enhance product performance across categories. For instance, esters with emollient and solubilizing properties are widely used in sunscreens to improve spreadability and boost UV filter efficacy. Similarly, silicones contribute to products with dual benefits, such as moisturization and long-lasting makeup wear. The versatility of these ingredients supports the development of hybrid products, such as tinted moisturizers with SPF or hair styling serums with conditioning properties, meeting the needs of time-conscious consumers. All these factors are anticipated to offer new growth opportunities for emollient market during the forecast period.

Segments Overview

The global emollient market is segmented into product type, and region. On the basis of product type, the market is bifurcated into esters and silicones. Region-wise, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Competitive Analysis

The major players operating in the emollient market include BASF SE, Berg + Schmidt GmbH & Co. KG, Cargill Incorporated, Croda International Plc, Evonik Industries AG, Innospec, Inc, Oleon N.V, Sonneborn LLC, The Lubrizol Corporation, Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Inc.

Key Findings of the Study

• As per emollient market analysis, by product type, the esters segment was the highest revenue contributor, growing with a CAGR of 5.8%.
• Based on region, the Asia-Pacific segment was the highest revenue contributor in 2023.

Impact of key regulations on the global emollient market

1. U.S.

In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates personal care products under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). The FDA does not specifically regulate individual ingredients unless they are used in over the counter (OTC) drugs. However, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), a panel of independent experts, evaluates the safety of cosmetic ingredients, including silicones and esters, and provides safety assessments. For example, dimethicone and other silicones are evaluated for safety in cosmetics, and CIR safety assessments are published for ingredients used in personal care products.

Regulation Number: 21 CFR 701 – Cosmetics Labeling, and 21 CFR 740 – Labeling of Cosmetics (for OTC drugs).

2. Canada

In Canada, the Health Canada regulates personal care products under the Food and Drugs Act and the Cosmetic Regulations. Health Canada does not approve cosmetic ingredients before they are marketed but does require that products be safe for use and appropriately labeled. Silicones and esters are commonly used in personal care formulations, and manufacturers must ensure these ingredients comply with the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, a list of restricted or prohibited ingredients.

Regulation Number: Cosmetic Regulations (SOR/2013-138).

3. Mexico

Mexico’s personal care sector is regulated by the Federal Commission for Protection Against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS), which ensures the safety of cosmetic products. COFEPRIS follows guidelines set forth by the Mexican Official Standard (NOM-141-SSA1-2012), which governs the safety and labeling of cosmetics. Silicones and esters are permissible as long as they are safe for use and do not exceed the maximum allowable concentrations.

Regulation Number: NOM-141-SSA1-2012 (General Requirements for the Health Control of Cosmetics).

4. Europe

In the European Union (EU), personal care products are regulated under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, which ensures that all cosmetics placed on the EU market are safe for human health. This regulation includes guidelines on the safety and use of cosmetic ingredients, including silicones and esters. Silicones such as dimethicone are allowed, provided they meet safety requirements. The European Commission maintains a Cosmetic Ingredient Database (Cosing), which lists approved cosmetic ingredients and their restrictions.

Regulation Number: Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on Cosmetic Products.

5. Asia-Pacific (APAC)

In the APAC region, regulations vary widely from country to country. In Japan, personal care products are regulated by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) and must comply with the Cosmetic Standards under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. In China, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) governs cosmetic products and requires that products be registered before they are marketed. In India, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) regulates cosmetics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Silicones and esters are typically allowed in personal care products, but local regulations may impose specific safety and labeling requirements.

Regulation Numbers: Japan - Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, China - Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR), India - Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

6. Latin America, Middle East, and Africa (LAMEA)

In the LAMEA region, regulations can vary significantly between countries. However, in countries such as Brazil, the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) regulates personal care products, and in South Africa, products are overseen by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). Both agencies ensure that products containing silicones and esters meet safety standards and labeling requirements. Countries within the LAMEA region may refer to global standards such as those set by the International Cooperation on Cosmetics Regulation (ICCR), an international forum to harmonize cosmetic product regulations.

Regulation Numbers: Brazil - ANVISA RDC 15/2015, South Africa - South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) Guidelines