Surfactants are essential chemicals used in cleaning, foaming, and mixing water with oil. They play a crucial role in various industries, such as paints and coatings.
According to Ceresana’s latest market report, surfactant sales are expected to grow at an average rate of 3.6% per year until 2033, with Asia-Pacific being the largest consumer, holding more than one-third of the market.
Key Market Insights & Applications
Surfactants are used across multiple industries, with the largest demand (55%) coming from household detergents. However, this segment is expected to grow only slightly, while cosmetics and personal care products (e.g., toothpaste, disinfectants) are projected to expand at a faster rate. The plastics, paints, and coatings industry is expected to see the highest annual growth at 2.8% per year.
Beyond cleaning products, surfactants are also widely used in:
- Industrial applications.
- Agriculture.
- Construction, firefighting, and ore processing (used in chemical formulations).
Surfactants are classified into anionic, cationic, and non-ionic types, based on their electrical charge:
- Anionic surfactants dominate the market with a 49% share, particularly linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), known for their strong foaming and cleaning power. However, environmental concerns are driving demand for biodegradable alternatives.
- Surfactants are primarily derived from crude oil, but bio-based alternatives (from sugar, vegetable oils, and plant-based soaps) are gaining popularity due to sustainability efforts.
The fourth edition of Ceresana’s study provides:
- Detailed analysis of the global surfactant market, with forecasts up to 2033, covering major regions: Western & Eastern Europe, North & South America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
- Breakdowns by application areas, including detergents, industrial cleaners, personal care, textiles, plastics, and other industries.
- Segmentation by surfactant type, covering LAS, FAEO, ethoxylates, cationic, and other surfactants.
- Country-specific data for 42 nations, analysing demand, revenue, production, and trade.
- Profiles of 63 leading surfactant manufacturers, including BASF, Dow Chemical, Evonik, and Wilmar International, with insights into revenues, production sites, and product ranges.
About Ceresana
Ceresana is a leading market research institute specialising in chemicals, plastics, packaging, and industrial goods. With over 250 studies and 10,000 clients worldwide, Ceresana provides in-depth industry analyses for businesses seeking market insights and sustainable growth strategies.