Saudi Arabia Cosmetic Ingredients Market Overview, 2030

In Saudi Arabia's cosmetic ingredients market, both natural and synthetic components are utilized, with a notable trend towards natural ingredients driven by consumer demand for clean and ethical beauty products. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) regulate cosmetic products to ensure safety and efficacy. For instance, as of January 1, 2024, SFDA adopted the European Union's Regulation (EU) 2023/1490, which updated the list of prohibited substances in cosmetics. Natural ingredients, such as Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), are commonly used for their soothing and moisturizing properties. Aloe vera gel is extracted from the leaves of the plant through a cold-pressing method, preserving its bioactive compounds like polysaccharides and glycoproteins. These compounds work at the cellular level by forming a protective barrier on the skin, reducing inflammation, and promoting wound healing. In Saudi Arabia, the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) system is used for ingredient identification, ensuring standardization across the industry. Each ingredient is assigned a unique Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number for precise identification. For example, Aloe vera gel has the CAS number 85507-69-3. The Harmonized System (HS) code for Aloe vera gel is 1302.19. The SFDA's adoption of international standards, such as the EU's prohibited substances list, underscores its commitment to aligning with global best practices in cosmetic regulation. This approach ensures that both natural and synthetic ingredients used in Saudi cosmetics meet safety and quality standards, fostering consumer trust and industry growth.

According to the research report, Saudi Arabia Cosmetic Ingredients Market Overview, 2030, published by Bonafide Research, the Saudi Arabia Cosmetic Ingredients market is anticipated to add to more than USD 140 Million by 2025–30. In Saudi Arabia's cosmetic ingredients market, Aloe vera gel is widely used due to its soothing and moisturizing properties. This ingredient is typically extracted from the inner leaf pulp of the Aloe barbadensis plant through a cold-pressing method, ensuring the preservation of its bioactive compounds. Aloe vera gel is a clear to slightly translucent gel with a colorless to pale yellow hue. It has a smooth, non-greasy consistency, making it suitable for various cosmetic formulations. The gel is generally odorless, which allows it to blend well with other ingredients without altering the overall fragrance of the product. Aloe vera gel is water-soluble and typically has a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5, making it compatible with most skin types and enhancing its effectiveness in topical applications. To maintain its efficacy, Aloe vera gel should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It is recommended to keep the container tightly closed to prevent contamination and degradation. Studies have shown that Aloe vera gel is generally safe for topical use, with minimal risk of skin irritation or sensitization. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Liliaceous family should exercise caution. At the cellular level, Aloe vera gel works by providing hydration to the skin, promoting wound healing, and reducing inflammation. Its polysaccharide content, particularly acemannan, plays a crucial role in these processes. For optimal stability, Aloe vera gel should be stored at temperatures between 15°C and 25°C and at a relative humidity of 30% to 50%.

In the Saudi Arabia cosmetic ingredients market, both natural and synthetic ingredients are actively used, though natural components are rapidly gaining ground due to consumer preference for halal, clean, and botanical-based beauty products. Natural ingredients, particularly those rooted in traditional Arabian remedies such as Nigella sativa (black seed oil), Phoenix dactylifera (date extract), and Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera), dominate many local formulations. These are typically extracted via cold-press or steam distillation to retain active constituents like thymoquinone, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Their appeal lies in skin-calming, moisturizing, and anti-aging properties, which suit the harsh desert climate and rising interest in holistic beauty. Conversely, synthetic ingredients remain essential for product consistency, performance, and shelf stability—particularly in mainstream skin brightening, anti-acne, and sun care categories. Commonly used compounds include synthetic polymers, emulsifiers, and hyaluronic acid (often produced through bacterial fermentation). These materials are selected for their proven clinical efficacy and ability to deliver precise results, especially in the premium and dermatological skincare segments. Despite a growing tilt toward naturals, synthetic ingredients still hold a significant share in large-scale manufacturing due to regulatory reliability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Consumer-driven demand for plant-based, cruelty-free, and alcohol-free products is rapidly pushing natural ingredients to the forefront especially among youth and female buyers. While synthetic ingredients dominate in volume, natural ingredients are used more widely in product innovation and are growing faster in demand across the Saudi cosmetic sector.

In the Saudi Arabian cosmetic ingredients market, product segmentation reflects both functional necessity and climatic relevance. Emulsifiers especially those derived from natural sources like lecithin or sugar esters are key in creams and lotions, ensuring stable oil-water blends suited for arid weather. UV absorbers play a crucial role in sun care, where demand is rising due to increased skin cancer awareness. Popular agents include zinc oxide and octinoxate, though mineral-based filters are gaining favor for their halal and reef-safe profiles. Surfactants are widely used in facial cleansers, body washes, and shampoos, with a market shift toward milder, sulfate-free types like cocamidopropyl betaine and decyl glucoside. Their appeal lies in effective cleansing without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier essential in the region’s dry, sun-exposed conditions. Antimicrobials such as phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin are crucial for formulation safety and longevity, especially given high ambient temperatures that can accelerate spoilage. Emollients, including squalane, shea butter, and silicone derivatives, are integral for skin protection and hydration, and are often combined with occlusive agents to prevent transepidermal water loss. Polymers like carbomer and acrylates ensure gel stability and texture in leave-on products. Oleo-chemicals, derived largely from palm and coconut sources, are essential in soap and cleansing bar production, providing both functionality and cost-efficiency. Others such as botanical extracts (e.g., myrrh, frankincense), rheology modifiers, and halal-certified preservatives address local sensorial and regulatory preferences.

In the Saudi Arabia cosmetic ingredients market, functionality is tightly aligned with environmental factors and cultural preferences, shaping the formulation of both mainstream and premium products. Cleansing agents and foamers are in high demand due to the region’s dusty climate and high sebum production caused by heat. Mild surfactants like coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl isethionate, and amino acid-based foamers are preferred for facial and body care to ensure thorough yet gentle cleansing essential for daily use in high-temperature settings. Aroma ingredients are deeply rooted in local heritage, with oud, rose, musk, and amber forming the backbone of fragrance components in both cosmetics and personal care. These scents are not only desired for their olfactory appeal but also for their cultural symbolism, making aroma functionality one of the most influential in product differentiation. Moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin, panthenol, and date seed extract, are critical in nearly all product types, addressing chronic dryness caused by desert air and air-conditioned environments. These actives help restore skin barrier function and are often combined with emollients for enhanced efficacy. Specialty ingredients like peptides, whitening agents, collagen boosters, and plant stem cell extracts are rapidly gaining popularity, particularly in high-end skincare aimed at anti-aging and brightening. The others category includes stabilizers, antioxidants, and texturizers that support product performance and shelf life.

Skin care leads the segment, driven by consumer concerns over dehydration, pigmentation, and early signs of aging due to sun exposure. Ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts like Aloe barbadensis and Phoenix dactylifera (date seed) are frequently used for their hydration, soothing, and brightening effects. Products targeting skin barrier repair and anti-pollution claims are especially popular in urban centers like Riyadh and Jeddah. Oral care is growing steadily, shaped by a blend of traditional practices and modern sensibilities. Miswak (Salvadora persica) extract is a common natural ingredient rooted in Islamic hygiene customs, now included in toothpastes and mouthwashes alongside xylitol, enzymes, and herbal actives for gum care and breath freshness. Fluoride alternatives and whitening agents are also becoming more prominent, especially among younger demographics. Hair care focuses heavily on scalp health and anti-hair fall solutions. Ingredients such as caffeine, panthenol, and herbal oils like black seed (Nigella sativa) oil are widely used. Given cultural norms around hair coverage, consumers prioritize scalp nourishment and strong, shiny hair, with sulfate-free cleansers and protein-rich conditioners gaining popularity. Body care, although less dominant, is evolving toward spa-like indulgence and intense moisturization. Formulations commonly include shea butter, urea, and lactic acid for softness and exfoliation.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Cosmetic Ingredients Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Ingredient Type
• Natural
• Synthetic

By Product Type
• Emulsifies
• UV Absorbers
• Surfactants
• Antimicrobials
• Emollients
• Polymer
• Oleo-chemical
• Others (Botanical Extract, Rheology Modifier & Preservatives)

By Functionality
• Cleansing Agents & Foamers
• Aroma
• Moisturizing
• Specialty
• Others

By End Use
• Skin Care
• Oral Care
• Hair Care
• Body Care

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.