By Mudita Sharma, Researcher, Kline’s Chemicals Practice
Hair care ingredients is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector within the broader personal care ingredients industry, which was valued globally at USD 27 billion in 2022, according to Kline’s Personal Care Ingredients: Global Market Analysis. Europe, the United States, and China are the leading markets for hair care ingredients, driven by a robust consumer base and a prominent level of product innovation. In contrast, Brazil stands out with hair care comprising nearly 53% of personal care ingredients demand, highlighting the significant role of this sector in the country’s personal care industry.
A key trend in the hair care ingredients market centers on the increasing demand for specialty ingredients such as surfactants, conditioning polymers, and emollients, representing a market value of approximately USD 7.5 billion in 2022, according to Kline’s report. This surge is driven by the growing consumer demand for high-quality, specialized hair care products that offer unique benefits and features.
At the global forefront, surfactants and conditioning polymers reign supreme in the hair care ingredients market. Surfactants form the base of various personal care rinse-off formulations, which makes them a crucial component in hair care production. Conversely, conditioning polymers are used in hair care products due to their ability to improve hair texture and manageability.
Simultaneously, the growing preference for natural ingredients in hair care products has become a defining aspect for the industry. As consumers are increasingly seeking products that are free from harsh chemicals and artificial additives, manufacturers have seized the opportunity to develop innovative natural ingredients derived from plants, fruits, and other organic sources. Furthermore, the desire for a natural look has fueled the demand for hair care products that enhance and maintain the natural texture and appearance of the hair. This trend has led to the development of ingredients that provide nourishment, hydration, and protection without compromising the hair’s natural characteristics.
The supplier landscape for hair care ingredients is quite diverse and fragmented, with no single supplier holding more than a 10% market share, finds Kline’s report. Key players include BASF, which has a strong position in surfactants, conditioning polymers, and emollients. Dow is also a significant player, particularly in the areas of conditioning polymers and rheology control agents. Clariant and Croda are well-positioned in the surfactants market, while Ashland has a strong presence in conditioning polymers and hair-fixative polymers. Other notable suppliers include Evonik, DSM, Cargill, and Seppic.
Looking ahead, the hair care ingredients market is poised for continuous growth. The ongoing innovation in product formulations, coupled with the rising consumer demand for high-quality hair care products, will continue to fuel the market’s expansion. Furthermore, the increasing focus on natural and organic ingredients will open new opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers in this market, including the development of innovative plant-derived ingredients and bioactive compounds, which are expected to shape the future of hair care products. On top, consumers’ growing demand for scalp care products will foster the emergence of specialized ingredients targeting scalp health.
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In conclusion, the hair care ingredients market is a vibrant and growing sector, offering a wealth of opportunities for businesses and investors. The increasing demand for specialty ingredients is a key trend shaping this market. As we move forward, this trend, along with the rising focus on natural and organic ingredients, will continue to shape the future of the hair care ingredients market. Kline predicts that over the next five years, the consumption of specialty ingredients in the hair care sector will outpace growth in skin care applications, with a substantial portion of this expansion anticipated to originate from the burgeoning markets of India and China.
Kline is a leading global management consulting and market research firm offering a complete spectrum of services. The firm has served the management consulting and market research needs of organizations in the chemicals, materials, energy, life sciences, and consumer product industries for more than 60 years. Currently, Kline offers three analyses covering the personal care ingredients market: Delivery Systems in Personal Care: Market Analysis and Opportunities, Personal Care Ingredients: Global Market Analysis, and Specialty Actives in Personal Care: Global Market Analysis and Opportunities.
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